What to Know About the 2026/27 State Budget I am happy to share that I negotiated a bipartisan budget that delivers for families, seniors, students and communities without raising taxes. Here are a few ways this budget benefits you and your family: Empowers our students with the resources they deserve through record funding for The School District of Philadelphia and William Penn School District Continues putting money back into the pockets of nearly 950,000 families through the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Makes our neighborhoods safer by increasing funding for Violence Intervention Programs and Rape Crisis Centers Invests in our workforce by increasing funding for Career and Technical Education by $10 million and small businesses by investing nearly $24 million to help our Historically Disadvantaged Small Businesses Gives a much-deserved cost of living increase to retired public servants like teachers and firefighters TOMORROW: Free Food at my District Office My office, in partnership with Rep. Amen Brown’s office, Caring for Friends, and Sharing Excess, will be giving out free, healthy food on July 17, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. All are welcome! ?? Friday, July 17, 2026 ? 12PM-2PM ?? 149 S. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 16 – Today, PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that more $3 million in state funding has been awarded to projects serving neighborhoods in west and southwest Philadelphia and in Delaware County. Four projects in McClinton’s district were awarded grants through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job in Harrisburg is advocating for local organizations and bringing state resources back to our communities,” McClinton said. “From our seniors living in Cobbs Creek, to children in Southwest Philly, to patients in Darby and Yeadon, these investments will strengthen housing, health care, education and recreational opportunities, improving quality of life for residents and helping our communities attract more visitors.” The four projects in McClinton’s district are: Walnut Park Plaza II, $500,000, to modernize the apartment building's operating systems for energy efficiency and achieve modern accessibility standards. Mercy Catholic Patient Area, $300,000, to refresh patient care rooms and support spaces, including improvements to the lighting, HVAC system and plumbing, to enhance patient comfort and staff efficiency. Cobbs Creek Stream Restoration, $2 million; part of a large-scale redevelopment project to revitalize, restore and reimagine the historic site as a hub for community, education and recreation. Cornerstone Read more
Join Speaker McClinton for a celebration especially for seniors to say "thank you" for being such a valuable part of the community. There will be free lunch, health screenings, and staff available to help with any government-related matters. Please RSVP by calling 215-748-6712. Read more
Speaker Joanna McClinton issued the following statement on July 12, 2026, following the passing of the Pennsylvania budget: "At a time when federal actions have made life more difficult through deep program cuts and policies that have driven up costs, in Pennsylvania we continue to deliver for every family, senior, and child. I am proud to have steered a bipartisan, no-tax-increase budget that makes meaningful investments in our schools, public safety, health care, and affordable housing. This budget includes the third $565 million installment of our commitment to finally fund Pennsylvania's public schools more equitably, ensuring that students in districts like William Penn and Philadelphia receive the resources they deserve. It also strengthens school safety, expands access to career and technical education, and continues providing free breakfast to students. Beyond our classrooms, this budget invests in stronger, healthier communities. It increases funding for public safety initiatives, expands opportunities for historically disadvantaged businesses, maintains record investments to combat food insecurity, improves access to mental health services, and supports the development of affordable housing across the Commonwealth." Read more
Save the Date: Free Food at my District Office My office, in partnership with Rep. Amen Brown’s office, Caring for Friends, and Sharing Excess will be giving out free, healthy food on July 17, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. All are welcome! ?? Friday, July 17, 2026 ? 12PM-2PM ?? 149 S. 60th St., Philadelphia Resources for New and Expecting Moms and Dads State Senator Sharif Street will be holding a Community Baby Shower at Temple University on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and expecting parents can take advantage of free resources to help their babies and growing families thrive. ?? Saturday, July 18, 2026 ? 10AM-1PM ?? Aramark Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex 1816 North 15th St., Philadelphia Free Community Cookout I am hosting a free community cookout in partnership with Senator Anthony H. Wiliams on July 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 61st and Baltimore. Join us for food, games, music and fun for the whole family! ?? Saturday, July 25, 2026 ? 10AM-7PM ?? S. 61st Street and Baltimore Avenue Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church Read more
Last May, the state House passed an omnibus election bill sponsored by Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton that would have significantly reshaped Pennsylvania elections. Read more
More than 100 community members joined Pennsylvania legislative leaders, elected officials, family, friends, and neighbors on June 28, to celebrate the official unveiling of “Gerald Wayne Renfrow Way,” permanently designating the 6200 block of Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia in honor of the late Gerald Wayne Renfrow. Read more
Join Speaker McClinton, Rep. Regina Young and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church on Aug. 1. Meet new neighbors and enjoy food, community resources, prayers and more. Read more
Speaker Joanna McClinton is partnering with State Senator Anthony H. Williams to host a community cookout on July 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free event will feature food, music, games and fun for the whole family. Read more
Pick up free, healthy food at Speaker McClinton's District Office, in partnership with Sharing Excess and Caring for Friends. Read more
After failing to reach a spending plan before the mandated June 30 deadline, Republicans allegedly left Harrisburg Tuesday to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday. Read more
Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) holds the gavel and has a bully pulpit, and she’s using it to warn of a growing AI threat facing parents, schools and law enforcement. Read more
Tell Senate Republicans to Get Back to Work This week, while House Democrats fought for tax cuts, fair school funding, and expanded access to health care, Senate Republicans left Harrisburg early for a long holiday weekend without passing a state budget before the June 30 deadline. Passing a state budget is one of the legislature's most important responsibilities. Failing to meet the deadline delays funding for schools, nonprofit organizations, and other essential programs that communities rely on. The House did its part by passing a bipartisan budget with no tax increases in April. Now it's up to the Senate to return to the table and finish the job. Tell Republican leaders in the Senate to get back to work. Find their contact information here. Celebrating National CROWN Day July 3 is National CROWN Day, a day to celebrate the right to wear your natural hair without fear of discrimination and to continue the work of expanding these protections nationwide. My colleagues and I took time this week to commemorate the passing of the Pennsylvania CROWN Act into law last year. We know how important it is that Pennsylvanians can wear their braids, twists and locs with confidence in their schools and workplaces, and we will continue to support Read more
Welcoming Students to the Capitol This week I was back in Harrisburg fighting for fair funding in the state budget. I also had the opportunity to welcome multiple students to shadow me for the day. It’s always a privilege to use my office to help the next generation of changemakers observe lawmaking in action. Special thanks to students Calissa and Morgan, and my district office interns Alexis and George, for visiting and being passionate about public service. I was also thrilled to honor the accomplished members of the Juneteenth Pageant Royal Court, a recognition bestowed on young men and women who advocate for their communities and participate in cultural events across Philadelphia. Congratulations to winners Aubrey and Cameryn! Community Movie Night with the Philadelphia Police Department The 12th District Community Relations Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department is holding a Community Movie Night on Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. The department will be showing a family-friendly animated movie and serving light refreshments. You must RSVP in advance by calling 215-686-3122 or by emailing arnold.mitchell@phila.gov . Friday, June 26, 2026 5PM 12th District Police Station 6448 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia Celebrate the Read more
Happy Juneteenth! This week, I was in Harrisburg to preside over the PA House. I joined members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to commemorate Juneteenth and issue a call to action to the Senate to pass my K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights Protection Act . The bill, which would strengthen protections for all voters in the Commonwealth, passed the House over a year ago, but the Senate still refuses to take action. Contact Senate leadership to let them know that it is critical we make these policies law to protect our right to vote. I will continue the fight for equal rights in Pennsylvania this Juneteenth and every other day of the year. Please note, my district office will be closed on June 19th as we celebrate the holiday. Community Movie Night with the Philadelphia Police Department The 12th District Community Relations Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department is holding a Community Movie Night on Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. The department will be showing a family-friendly animated movie and serving light refreshments. You must RSVP in advance by calling 215-686-3122 or by emailing arnold.mitchell@phila.gov . Friday, June 26, 2026 5PM 12th District Police Station 6448 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia Do You Know What Read more
HARRISBURG, June 16, 2026 - Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s ruling on skill games: “The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling makes it clear: skill games are illegal slot machines. We are encouraged that Senate Republicans may now be ready to proceed on bipartisan legislation to regulate skill games, and we look forward to seeing what they can pass in a bipartisan fashion in their chamber.” Read more
Led by NAACP Pittsburgh Branch President Jackie Hill and Pa. Speaker of the House, Rep. Joanna McClinton, the officers and closest constituents of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch proudly made their entrance into the main ballroom at the Wyndham Grand Hotel, Downtown. Read more
Last month, we served as panelists at an event in Montgomery County concerning the growing issue of AI-generated sexually explicit deepfakes in our schools. Read more
Fighting for the Funding Our Communities Deserve Every June I go to Harrisburg and roll up my sleeves to negotiate the details of the state budget, fighting for funding for schools, public safety, mass transit and affordable housing. On April 14, my colleagues in the House and I sent the Senate a bipartisan plan with no tax increases. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans haven't taken any action yet. Instead, they adjourned on Wednesday and are taking next week off. House Democrats will continue our work this month to fight for fair funding and an on-time budget. While in Harrisburg, I was honored to welcome performing arts students from two different Philadelphia high schools to perform selections from 1776: The Musical on the House floor to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Thank you to this very talented group for the excellent performance! THIS WEEKEND!: Celebrate Juneteenth at My Community Wellness Fair Join us this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to celebrate Juneteenth with food, fun and free health screenings in partnership with the Keith Dawson Foundation. June 13, 2026 10AM-2PM Motivation High School, 5900 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia Schedule Change for Upcoming Food Giveaway Read more
VIDEO: Students Perform on House Floor for America's 250th Anniversary Read more
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