Biography

04/18/1950 -

Fayette and Green Counties (1976-1982), Fayette, Green and Washington Counties (1983-2012)

DeWEESE, H. William, a Representative from Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties; born in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pa., April 18, 1950; graduated, Waynesburg High School, 1968; B.A., history, Wake Forest University, 1972; honorary doctorate of humane letters, Waynesburg College, 2005; first lieutenant, United States Marine Corps (1972-1975); elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as a Democrat in a Special Election on April 27, 1976 to serve the remaining 1975 term; Sworn-In, May 10, 1976 and reelected to 18 more consecutive terms; elected, Majority Whip (January 23, 1990-1990, 2009-December 15, 2009); elected, Majority Leader (January 23, 1990-1992; 2007-2008); elected, Speaker (1993-1994); elected, Minority Leader (1995-2006); appointed, Select Committee on Three Mile Island (1979); appointed, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (1981-1984); appointed, Select Commitee to Investigate the Crisis in Staffing of Welfare Offices in the Commonwealth (1984); appointed, Special Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Flooding of the Monongahela River Basin (1986); appointed, Joint State Government Commission (1989-2010); appointed, Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority (1993-2004); appointed, State Public School Building Authority (1993-2000, 2003-2004); appointed, House Select Committee on Violence (1994); resigned from the House, April 24, 2012.