Edward G. Rendell

Edward G. Rendell was inaugurated as Pennsylvania's 45th Governor on January 21, 2003. As Governor, Rendell serves as Chief Executive of the nation's 5th most populous state, and oversees a $21 billion budget.

Upon taking office as Governor, Rendell proposed The Plan for a New Pennsylvania, which was unprecedented in state history. The Plan for a New Pennsylvania returns one and a half billion dollars to taxpayers, giving homeowners across the state significant tax relief, an average of 30% across the state, that lessens the financial burden faced by many older Pennsylvanians and others who live on fixed incomes. It closes the resource gap between school districts while at the same time investing up to $1.25 billion annually within three years to fund proven programs that boost student achievement. Rendell's Plan also outlines an economic stimulus program that will invest nearly two billion in bonds and loan guarantees to leverage an additional five billion in private investment in economic development projects across the state.

From 1992 through 1999, Governor Rendell served as the 121st Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. Before serving as Mayor, Mr. Rendell was elected District Attorney of the City of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 through 1985.

Among his many accomplishments as Mayor, Mr. Rendell eliminated a $250 million deficit; balanced the City's budget and generated five consecutive budget surpluses; reduced business and wage taxes for four consecutive years; implemented new revenue-generating initiatives, and dramatically improved services to the City's neighborhoods. The New York Times called the Philadelphia renaissance under Rendell "the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history."

Dubbed America's Mayor by Al Gore, then-mayor Rendell worked tirelessly to revive Philadelphia's economy and position it as a destination city. During the Rendell administration, Philadelphia saw the end of six years of job losses, and enjoyed six straight years of job gains. Philadelphia is nationally and internationally recognized for its enhanced historical tourist attractions, a thriving downtown, and a booming Convention Center.

The Governor, who served as General Chair of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 Presidential election, has always been active in the community through a variety of memberships on boards and also teaches two government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania. Governor Rendell, an Army veteran, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1965) and Villanova Law School (J.D. 1968). He was born on January 5, 1944.

The Governor and his wife, First Lady Marjorie O. Rendell, a Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, have one son, Jesse. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on July 10, 2002.