Since his service to the people of the 5th Legislative District began in 2001, Rep. John Evans has been working to better the lives of people in Erie and Crawford counties.
In his tenure in the state House, Evans has proven effective in advancing legislation of interest to the people of northwestern Pennsylvania and also in working with local leaders to further enhance the quality of life in the region. To date, five of Evans’ bills have been signed into law. Those laws established tougher sentences for those involved in the manufacture of methamphetamines and enhanced consumer protection of leased vehicles and the safety of corrections officers.
During his fifth term in Harrisburg, Evans is a member of the House Appropriations, Transportation and Commerce committees. His duties on the powerful House Appropriations Committee include attending budget hearings with each state agency and department, as well as state-funded entities such as the State System of Higher Education. As part of his duties, he casts key votes to move the budget bill out of committee and onto the floor for debate. The committee also considers each piece of legislation that carries a cost to the Commonwealth.
Evans continues his service on the House Transportation Committee, where he is the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways. His work on transportation safety and infrastructure issues helps ensure that the Commonwealth’s roads, highways and bridges are in good condition. His service on the House Commerce Committee includes monitoring federal stimulus funds and working on enhancing economic development opportunities.
To ensure that local taxpayers receive the biggest bang for their buck, Evans has been successful in returning millions of dollars to Erie and Crawford counties through state-sponsored grants and low-interest loans for area municipalities and organizations.
Health care is also an important issue for Evans and the people of northwestern Pennsylvania. During the past two sessions, he has been a member of the House Republican Health Care Task Force and subsequently authored legislation that would expand access to vital health care services through Federally Qualified Health Centers. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support during 2007-08.
Evans also serves as a member of the Tuition Account Program’s Advisory Board, one of two House members to serve in that capacity.
A graduate of Linesville High School, Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in communication studies, both from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He worked for 20 years as a news and sports reporter for Erie’s WJET-TV. In addition to his award-winning sports coverage, he spent his last two years at WJET as the primary news correspondent for the station, covering stories of regional and statewide importance.
Evans currently serves on the Council of Trustees at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, his alma mater, and is involved with many community organizations, including the Zem Zem Shrine Club and as a member of the Board of Director for the Pennsylvania Special Olympics.
He resides in Sadsbury Township, Crawford County. His family includes his wife, Bethany, two grown children, a step-daughter and a grandson.
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