Bill DeWeese, a native of Greene County, PA, has served the 50th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 1976. He has been a part of the House Democratic Caucus Leadership Team since 1988, including a term as Speaker of the House in the 1993-94 session.

Many of his legislative priorities are directly tied to his strong rural roots.

• He has helped to bring more than $200 million in grants and loans to the 50th District, including $40 million to address sewer and water infrastructure needs.
• His work with Gov. Robert Casey and Gov. Tom Ridge resulted in two state correctional facilities being built in his district, eventually providing over 1,500 family-sustaining jobs, not to mention millions of dollars in economic development spin-off revenue. He is currently working with Gov. Ed Rendell on bringing a third state prison to the 50th District.
• His strong leadership on behalf of sportsmen has earned him an “A+” voting record on Second Amendment issues.

As a member of Caucus Leadership, he has helped to shape policies that reflect the needs of working families. From basic and special education funding equity to property tax reform and raising the minimum wage, from access to quality and affordable health care to the expansion of prescription drug benefits for senior citizens, the House Democratic Caucus under Bill DeWeese’s leadership is a driving force in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Accomplishments during the 2007-08 session include one of the nation’s strongest autism insurance laws, dramatic improvements to the state’s mine safety law, elimination of mandatory overtime for nurses, the first revisions to the state’s Open Records law in 50 years and implementation of an ethics and compliance program for all staff.

As an elected leader, he also has worked with the business community to promote a legislative agenda that supports the creation and retention of family-sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania. He has opened dialogues with the leaders of the banking industry, certified public accountants, real estate brokers, the biotechnology industry, all of which led to tax-cut proposals designed to spur economic growth and create family-sustaining jobs.

DeWeese is the highest-ranking and longest-serving leader in both the House and Senate who hails from western Pennsylvania. A fiery orator and floor debater, the former United States Marine Corps officer’s command and use of the English language and his passion for Pennsylvania are his trademarks. He brings a unique perspective to the House chamber, a result of his interest in state, U.S. and world history.

He is a life member of the NRA, the Marine Corps Reserve Officer Association, and the NAACP. He serves as a member of the board of trustees of the George C. Marshall Foundation. DeWeese is also a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Free Mason and a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg.

DeWeese was born April 18, 1950, in Pittsburgh and raised in rural Greene County by his parents Vic and Dotty. After receiving a history degree from Wake Forest University, he joined the United States Marine Corps on graduation day and served as an active duty officer from 1972-1975. Upon returning to Greene County, DeWeese was elected to the state House in a special election in 1976 and ever since he has served the 50th District (all of Greene County and parts of Fayette and Washington counties). He is a lifelong resident of Waynesburg, the largest municipality in the district (pop. approx 4,500).