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Weekly Email Newsletter, July 9, 2026

(1 day ago)

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

 

Votebeat: Pa. elections could look different if Democrats win full control of state government in 2026

(Jul 08, 2026)

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

 

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun: West Philadelphia honors community champion Gerald Wayne Renfrow with street renaming on historic Osage Avenue

(Jul 08, 2026)

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

 

Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church

(Jul 08, 2026)

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

 

Community Cookout

(Jul 08, 2026)

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

 

July Food Giveaway

(Jul 08, 2026)

Pick up free, healthy food at Speaker McClinton's District Office, in partnership with Sharing Excess and Caring for Friends. Read more

 

Bucks County Beacon: With No Final Budget, State Senate Republicans Leave Harrisburg for July 4 Holiday Weekend

(Jul 06, 2026)

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

 

ABC27: Pennsylvania House speaker warns of AI deepfake problem in schools

(Jul 06, 2026)

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

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 2, 2026

(Jul 02, 2026)

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

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 25, 2026

(Jun 26, 2026)

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

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 18, 2026

(Jun 18, 2026)

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

 

PA House Democratic Leadership issues statement on Pa. Supreme Court ruling on skill games

(Jun 16, 2026)

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

 

Pittsburgh Courier: Pittsburgh NAACP Human Rights Dinner returns; capacity-crowd attends

(Jun 15, 2026)

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

 

Philadelphia Inquirer: Joanna McClinton and Dave Sunday: Accountability is key to keeping our children safe

(Jun 15, 2026)

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

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 11, 2026

(Jun 12, 2026)

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 Selections From "1776: The Musical" to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

(Jun 08, 2026)

VIDEO: Students Perform on House Floor for America's 250th Anniversary Read more

 

Students help State House celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special musical performance

(Jun 08, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 8 – Today the state House welcomed students from the group Celebrating 1776!, for a special performance in the House chamber at the start of legislative session. Celebrating 1776! is an initiative founded by former Gov. Ed Rendell to explore the Declaration of Independence's principles of freedom and democracy through the performing arts and education. It is dedicated to bringing the history of the American Revolution to life for modern audiences. “With the challenges confronting our democracy in 2026, understanding our nation’s humble beginnings and the fight for freedom has never been more important,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, who presented each student with a legislative citation, said. “Not only were these students outstanding performers, but they are doing an important job to make our nation’s history come alive for new audiences.” The ensemble performed a song and scene from 1776: The Musical . They will be performing vignettes from the musical at historic locations in Philadelphia throughout the summer. Student performers included: Chloe Chau, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as Abigail Adams. Jayden Duvene, Lenfest Mastery Charter, as Ben Franklin. Kayid Jackson, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as John Adams. Owen Green, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as John Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 4, 2026

(Jun 05, 2026)

Working for You in Harrisburg This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was back in session in Harrisburg. I had the honor of welcoming some special guests including the women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated, as well as members of the Pennsylvania Chamber. House Democrats passed bills aimed at protecting our communities and young people, including one that promotes education to help people avoid AI-generated scams and misinformation, and another that restricts cell phones in school so students can focus on learning without distractions. Celebrate Juneteenth at My Community Wellness Fair Save the date for our Juneteenth Wellness Fair and Food Giveaway! Join us on June 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for 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 Please note our monthly Friday Food Giveaway for June will be held on a Thursday because of the Juneteenth federal holiday. Join Rep. Amen Brown and me, in partnership with Caring for Friends, on Thursday June 18 and Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, May 28, 2026

(May 29, 2026)

Promoting Health and Wellness for Black Men Take advantage of free health screenings and participate in a 5K walk and run as part of the African American Male Wellness Agency’s Black Men’s Wellness Day on June 6 at Temple University. Saturday June 6, 2026 7AM-12PM Temple University, 1816 N. 15th St., Philadelphia Mark Your Calendar for My Juneteenth Wellness Fair Save the date for our Juneteenth Wellness Fair and Food Giveaway! Join us on June 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for 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 Please note our monthly Friday Food Giveaway for June will be held on a Thursday because of the Juneteenth federal holiday. Join Rep. Amen Brown and me, in partnership with Caring for Friends, on Thursday June 18 and pick up some healthy fresh food for your household. Thursday June 18, 2026 12-2 PM 149 S. 60th St., Philadelphia My Staff is Here to Help! Need help Read more

 

June Food Giveaway

(May 28, 2026)

Come meet Speaker McClinton, Rep. Brown and their staff, who will be on hand to provide you with information on state government-related programs and services available. Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 9, 2026
1 day ago

Votebeat: Pa. elections could look different if Democrats win full control of state government in 2026
Jul 08, 2026

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun: West Philadelphia honors community champion Gerald Wayne Renfrow with street renaming on historic Osage Avenue
Jul 08, 2026

Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church
Jul 08, 2026

Community Cookout
Jul 08, 2026

July Food Giveaway
Jul 08, 2026

Bucks County Beacon: With No Final Budget, State Senate Republicans Leave Harrisburg for July 4 Holiday Weekend
Jul 06, 2026

ABC27: Pennsylvania House speaker warns of AI deepfake problem in schools
Jul 06, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 2, 2026
Jul 02, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 25, 2026
Jun 26, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026

PA House Democratic Leadership issues statement on Pa. Supreme Court ruling on skill games
Jun 16, 2026

Pittsburgh Courier: Pittsburgh NAACP Human Rights Dinner returns; capacity-crowd attends
Jun 15, 2026

Philadelphia Inquirer: Joanna McClinton and Dave Sunday: Accountability is key to keeping our children safe
Jun 15, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 11, 2026
Jun 12, 2026

VIDEO: Students Perform Selections From "1776: The Musical" to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
Jun 08, 2026

Students help State House celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special musical performance
Jun 08, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, June 4, 2026
Jun 05, 2026

Weekly Email Newsletter, May 28, 2026
May 29, 2026

June Food Giveaway
May 28, 2026