Title
Adding the Honorable Congressman Dwight Evans to the street signs on 7100 Ogontz Avenue in honor of his decades of service to the people of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, Congressman Evans has dedicated his entire career to serving his hometown, working on behalf of the people of Philadelphia at both the state and national level for more than 40 years. One of five children raised in the Evans household, Congressman Evans grew up in North Philadelphia and Germantown, and the Congressman continues to call West Oak Lane home today; and
WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Germantown High School, Congressman Evans continued his education at the Community College of Philadelphia and La Salle University, where he received a degree in English. After completing his university studies, Congressman Evans worked as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia before becoming a job developer with the Urban League of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, at just 26 years of age, Congressman Evans was first elected to represent the 203rd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Just ten years later, Evans became the first African American representative to serve as Chairman of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee, a position which Congressman Evans held for two decades; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Pennsylvania Legislature, the Congressman was particularly focused on addressing the challenges created by food insecurity. With the support of his colleagues in the Legislature, Congressman Evans established the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative. This Initiative brought over 100 grocery stores to food deserts across Pennsylvania and created over 5,000 jobs in those communities. The plan received national acclaim and was lauded by former President Obama, who worked to implement similar programs nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Evans was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2016 to represent the 2nd (now 3rd) Congressional District, covering Northwest and West Philadelphia as well as Center City. Congressman Evans quickly established himself in the House of Representatives as a talented leader and passionate advocate, earning important roles on the Ways and Means Committee and the Small Business Committee; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Evans takes particular pride in his continued efforts to battle food insecurity. Congressman Evans protected SNAP food assistance benefits for millions of Americans through his work on the House Agriculture Committee and worked to establish the federal Healthy Food Financing Initiative, which was modeled after the initiative that the Congressman had established in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Evans has been instrumental in the passage of key criminal justice reform initiatives, including the First Step Act, which was aimed at reducing over-incarceration and supporting returning citizens upon their release from prison. As a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, the Congressman has also worked tirelessly to combat the nation’s gun violence epidemic; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Dwight Evans has dedicated his career to the City of Philadelphia and the City’s residents have benefitted greatly from his leadership. Congressman Evans has cemented his legacy as a champion for Philadelphians, and the impact of his work will surely be felt for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby adds the Honorable Congressman Dwight Evans to the street signs on the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue in honor of his decades of service to the people of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Congressman Evans as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s respect, gratitude, and recognition.
End