He was elected to serve his first term in the House of Representatives in 2018, representing neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, including Kensington, Hunting Park, Glenwood, and Feltonville. With this achievement, he became the first Dominican ever elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Burgos is a first-generation Dominican American, born in New York. His family moved to Philadelphia in 1990, when he was 10 years old. They attended St. Veronica Church and, in the early 1990s, owned a grocery store in Hunting Park. He attended Roberto Clemente Middle School and graduated from Olney High School.

In 1998, he opened his first grocery store in North Philadelphia and, that same year, alongside other owners, co-founded the Dominican Grocers Association of Philadelphia (D.G.A.P.) in collaboration with the Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project (EPOP). Since then, the organization has grown to more than 385 members, strengthening local commerce and supporting Latino small business owners.

Read also: Lozada, Burgos and Sabir: Tribute from Hispanic Media and El Sol Latino Newspaper

Before joining the state legislature, Danilo served as Director of Zoning and Business Development for Councilwoman María Quiñones-Sánchez, overseeing the expansion of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Allegheny General Hospital, as well as managing several urban revitalization projects. He also worked as Director of Constituent Services for Councilmember Allan Domb.

A steadfast advocate for his community

As a state legislator, his priorities focus on improving public education and workforce training, reducing unemployment, promoting small-business development, and expanding economic opportunities throughout his district. Burgos is also a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, working to reduce recidivism and offer opportunities for individuals seeking to reintegrate into society.

He has served on the boards of organizations such as the Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, White Dog Community Foundation, Projects Without Borders, and Visitation Community Center, and has collaborated with the Congress of United Latinos and The Latino Partnership on various community initiatives.

He currently serves as Chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities; as a board member of the Minority Business Development Authority and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association; and as Director of Voto Latino for the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

Burgos aims to offer his constituents not only hope, but the tools needed to achieve success, while challenging stereotypes associated with North Philadelphia and promoting understanding across all districts in Pennsylvania.

His work has been recognized by Hispanic Media and El Sol Latino Newspaper during The Pennsylvania Society’s annual event as “People of the Year 2025,” honoring his excellence and reaffirming his impact and commitment to public life in Pennsylvania.

As a father, his children are his greatest motivation, inspiring him to continue working for a safer, more prosperous, and more united Philadelphia.

LEER EN ESPAÑOL

The post Danilo Burgos: a fighter with a vocation for service in Pennsylvania appeared first on El Sol News Media.

The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Cruz was also appointed to serve a 9^th term as Democratic chairman of the House Human Services Committee for this session.

You can read: Representantes de PA y NJ anuncian que están a salvo luego del asalto al Capitolio

Cruz said he will focus on his continued efforts addressing the opioid and drug crisis, employment, housing and education in the new term. During his 20-year tenure, Cruz has drafted and had enacted several important pieces of legislation, including Act 148 of 2014, which expanded newborn screening in Pennsylvania; helped to secure grants for numerous non-profit organizations and projects in his district; and played a leading role in investigating the 1997 abduction and return of Delimar Vera, a story which made international news and was depicted in a Lifetime movie.

“I am humbled by the continued support of the residents of the 180^th Legislative District. Through my years in office, being a voice for our community and communities across our commonwealth is a role that I have never once taken lightly,” Cruz said. “These years have been a journey and I’m proud to see what more we can accomplish moving forward.”

Cruz said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, and prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is (215) 291-5643. Residents also can learn more about Cruz’s legislative priorities and the services his office provides by visiting his website RepCruz.com.

By: Press release

The post Angel Cruz sworn into office in Pa. House of Representatives  appeared first on El Sol News Media.