PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker will attend Thursday evening’s State of the Union address as a guest of Congressman Dwight Evans.
Parker said she’s proud to attend and looks forward to hearing President Joe Biden make his case for “the vitally important work the administration has done for the country.”
In a statement, she called Biden a strong friend of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
Members of Congress generally invite guests with a specific background in order to highlight the issues they will focus on in the coming year. Evans said inviting the city’s first female mayor will spotlight the fresh start and positive change she’s bringing to the city.
Other local Congress members from the Philadelphia region will be highlighting education, housing and jobs. U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean is combining education, the arts and community service. She invited Kutztown art teacher Benjamin Hoffman, who is also a volunteer firefighter.
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon is bringing electrician Teila Allmond, an instructor of the Rosie’s Girls program who works to increase the representation of women in the construction trades.
And, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan is bringing Matrie Johnson, who oversees programs for affordable housing, eviction prevention and women’s re-entry.