The City of Philadelphia has announced PHLRentAssist Phase 4 of the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program is now open to landlords and tenants. Phase 4 of the program helps people pay their rent and utilities who have experienced financial hardship because of COVID-19. Previous phases did not include utilities, only rent. PHDC , the City’s housing and community development non-profit, will continue to administer this program. Landlords and tenants can apply until funds run out. More information can be found on the city's website here . In the meantime, Delaware County launched its emergency rental assistance grant program. Details about eligibility requirements and how to apply here. Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton partnered with Walmart to secure and present $2,000 grant checks this afternoon outside of her office in Southwest Philadelphia to four local nonprofits. McClinton said the funding was made possible through Walmart’s Local Community Grants program and went to the following organizations: The Common Place. African Cultural Alliance of North America. Greater Hope Ministries. The Black Brain Campaign. “My top priority is and has always been the health and safety of my neighbors, and I’m blessed to have local organizations who share my commitment – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “From critical resources and mental health help to educational and emotional support, these nonprofits are the boots on the ground working tirelessly to put our most vulnerable communities first. Investing in their success is investing in the success of Southwest Philly.” “The Walmart Foundation is proud to support these organizations in Philadelphia,” said Jason Klipa, director of public affairs and government relations for Walmart. “They are doing excellent work in their communities and one of the core pillars of Walmart is to help give back in the communities we serve.” McClinton previously worked with Walmart to present $6,000 in grant funding in December to Read more
HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy. Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights. “We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code. Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great Read more
To commemorate Women's History Month and in the face of attacks on voting rights, please enjoy this lively discussion on Women Win the Vote Read more
Pa. House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton joined Rep. Patty Kim and many other colleagues from the House to call for passage of anti hate crime legislation. McClinton pointed out that Rep. Kim is the only Asian American legislator in the Pa. House and thanked her for taking a stand against the racism and hate currently plaguing our country and the AAPI community in particular. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton recently appointed Courtney Richardson to the board of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, the state-appointed group that provides financial oversight for the city of Philadelphia. “Ms. Richardson’s background and training prepared her well for this role,” McClinton said. “She grew up in the Mount Airy neighborhood and graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She’s a practicing attorney focusing on municipal and real estate law in Montgomery and Delaware counties, so she is able to see issues from the perspective of both Philadelphia and its suburban neighbors. “Before she began private practice, Ms. Richardson served as counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and then as assistant city solicitor in Philadelphia,” McClinton added. Richardson has an extensive background in financial and governmental service. She started her career as a stockbroker and investment advisor at Merrill Lynch and she currently serves on executive board of the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in philosophy and then from West Virginia University College of Law as a distinguished member of the Order of the Barristers. She received an LL.M. in taxation from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Richardson is a member Read more
With time running out to provide a chance at justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse through an emergency constitutional amendment, the House Democratic leadership team released the following statement calling on Republican leadership to commit to bringing the measure up for a vote on Monday:“In early February, Republican leadership made a public promise on the House floor to get an emergency constitutional amendment to the Senate and provide a chance at justice to the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Due to their wavering and inaction this week, we’re now dangerously close to running out of time to get this in front of Pennsylvanians in the May Primary Election. Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding a $75,000 state grant awarded to help the nonprofit organization The Common Place enhance safety precautions at its facility that serves children and families in southwest Philadelphia. McClinton said the funding was made possible through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, and can be used for various security improvements, including: Safety and security planning. Security-related technology, such as metal detectors, protective lighting and surveillance equipment. Threat awareness and response training. “The Common Place is a critical resource that provides care and assistance to so many across southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “Investing in their safety is investing in the safety of our young people and the families who turn to the nonprofit for educational, social and spiritual support. I will continue working to secure funding for The Common Place and other local organizations like it that play crucial roles in moving our neighborhoods forward.” McClinton added the grant for The Common Place was part of just over $5 million announced yesterday by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund security enhancement projects for 130 churches, synagogues and other nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities across Pennsylvania. More information Read more
HARRISBURG, 4 de Marzo - Como residente de Filadelfia de toda la vida, Joanna McClinton solía utilizar los trenes y autobuses de SEPTA y comprende las muchas maneras en que el transporte público apoya vidas e industrias en toda la región. En su nueva capacidad como líder del Caucus Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes de Pensilvania, McClinton nombró al líder sindical de Filadelfia, Esteban Vera Jr., como miembro de la junta de gobierno de SEPTA. Es el primer latino en servir en la junta. “Las personas a las que represento dependen todos los días de los servicios de SEPTA para llegar a sus trabajos, escuelas, citas médicas, realizar compras y, a pesar de los enormes desafíos durante la pandemia, SEPTA ha continuado estando ahí para las personas que dependen de él”, dijo McClinton. “Esteban Vera Jr. le agrega una perspectiva importante al liderazgo de SEPTA, tanto como el primer latino en ser gerente comercial del Local de Obreros # 57 por los pasados cinco años. Antes de eso trabajó en construcción y organizando. ”, dijo McClinton. Vera Jr. creció en el norte de Filadelfia y es un veterano del ejército de los Estados Unidos que sirvió en Bosnia en la década de 1990. El otoño pasado apareció en Al Dia como "el campeón laboral latino de Read more
HARRISBURG, March 4 – As a lifelong Philadelphian, Joanna McClinton often used SEPTA trains and buses herself and she understands the many ways in which mass transit supports lives and industries across the entire region. In her new capacity as leader of Pennsylvania’s House Democratic Caucus, McClinton has named Philadelphia labor leader Esteban Vera Jr. to SEPTA’s governing board. He is the first Latino to serve on the board. “The people I represent depend on SEPTA services every day to get to their jobs, to school, to medical visits, to go shopping – and despite huge challenges during the pandemic, SEPTA has continued to be there for people who rely on it,” McClinton said. “Esteban Vera Jr. adds an important perspective to SEPTA’s leadership, both as the first Latino and as the business manager of Laborers’ Local #57 for the last five years. He worked on construction and organizing before that,” she said. Vera Jr. grew up in North Philadelphia and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Bosnia in the 1990s. Last fall he was profiled in Al Dia as “Philadelphia’s Latino Labor Champion.” His work as the top official in the Laborers’ local includes overseeing contract negotiations, organizing and member representation. The members of Local #57 often work on heavy highway and bridge construction projects. “I’m excited to see how Mr. Vera will contribute to Read more
In her ongoing efforts to protect her communities during the pandemic, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is teaming up with Latino Connection and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4 to provide free COVID-19 tests at Greater Hope Christian Academy, located at 7029 Woodland Ave. in Philadelphia. Interested participants are asked to wear a mask. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton has appointed Markita Morris-Louis of Philadelphia to the board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “Helping people to buy homes and remain in homes is crucial to building stronger communities at any time, and even more during this pandemic,” McClinton said. “It’s the central mission of PHFA and I cannot think of a better person to move this work forward than Markita Morris-Louis.” Morris-Louis, a Philadelphia native, is a long-time steward in the fields of affordable housing and housing policy. She has worked for almost 20 years as an attorney helping people and community-based nonprofit groups with issues of housing, consumer protection and civil rights. “I am truly grateful to Leader McClinton for the opportunity to represent the interests of families with low incomes and other vulnerable populations in setting policy for the development and preservation of affordable housing through PHFA’s board. “I have devoted a significant portion of my career to community development and helping consumers achieve financial stability through homeownership and other asset-building opportunities. I am delighted by this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth through PHFA’s activities and thankful to Leader McClinton for her support,” Morris-Louis said. She held leadership positions at several regional organizations and is now the chief Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is reminding her neighbors that her office staff is available to answer their questions about the Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program and help them apply. Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has become aware of multiple attempts by fraudsters to obtain individuals’ personal and confidential information through fake Facebook pages and is reminding Pennsylvanians to never provide their information to anyone over social media. Important tips L&I’s Facebook page has a blue check box next to the name that identifies it as a verified page. Comments by the legitimate L&I page also have a blue check box next to them indicating it as a verified page. If a comment or page does not have this check box, it is a fraudster posing as L&I. L&I does not post responses directly to claimants, send private messages, or ask for a private message to be sent. L&I also will not ask individuals to call or text a phone number. The only phone numbers for unemployment are: 1-888-313-7284 (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). 1-855-284-8545 (for PUA claimants). L&I will not ask for individuals to send an email. The only email addresses for unemployment are: uchelp@pa.gov (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). ucpua@pa.gov (for PUA claimants). Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton responded to the news that a pending constitutional amendment to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse will be further delayed due to an administrative breakdown at the Department of State: “This is heartbreaking for survivors of an unspeakable trauma who have waited too long for the chance to see justice. If there is any way to achieve a quicker legislative solution than waiting for two more years, the House Democratic Caucus will fully support it,” McClinton said. “Governor Wolf called on us to pursue this as a regular bill through the legislative process. I also think that in this unique circumstance it would be appropriate for the House and Senate to pass an emergency constitutional amendment using Article XI of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which requires a two-thirds vote, in order to put the question before the voters this year as originally intended. “I feel terrible for our House colleagues Mark Rozzi and Jim Gregory who have put a human face on this injustice and poured their hearts into repairing the damage done by perpetrators of abuse. All the men and women who were preyed upon when they were children deserve a better outcome,” McClinton said. Read more
How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim : Log in to your dashboard Select “File for Weekly Benefits” Then select “File Your Weekly Certification to Continue Your Claim” You will see the message “You currently have a claim established however it is inactive.” Click on “here.” It will seem as if you are opening a new claim. The system knows you are only attempting to reopen the claim you already have established. Click Next. You will see the Welcome to Pennsylvania’s Pandemic Unemployment Portal Page. Click next. The next eight pages are pre-populated based on your initial claim information. You will click next after verifying the information is correct on each page. If it is not correct, you should make updates at this time. Note: This includes things such as your email, address, date of birth, education information and employment status. You will also be asked the COVID questions. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE MAJOR DISASTER INFORMATION QUESTION YOU SHOULD SELECT COVID -19 NOT COVID 19 -2 If you reported that you are self-employed, the system will ask for you 2020 wages. This is an error. You should enter all 0s for those wages. You will also need to answer if you have worked since you last filed for weeks. If you have worked, you must click the “I have worked since my last Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton has appointed Frank Dermody to serve on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for the next two years. The board comprises seven members, three chosen by the governor and four by legislative caucus leaders. It ensures the integrity of legalized gaming in Pennsylvania through strict enforcement of law and regulations and the licensing of qualified individuals and entities. “Frank Dermody has been a respected leader in Pennsylvania for many years and I’m pleased that he agreed to continue his public service at the Gaming Control Board. He participated in setting the legislative foundation for our gaming industry, which has grown in just over a decade to become a national leader. Frank’s legal background and legislative experience are outstanding assets for his work as a gaming regulator.” Dermody, a resident of Oakmont in Allegheny County, served in the House of Representatives for 30 years, including 10 years as the House Democratic leader. Before his legislative service, he was an assistant district attorney and magisterial district judge. He also served on the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing for 19 years, including 12 years as the commission’s chairman. In 1994 Dermody was asked by House leaders to guide the impeachment of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice and he prosecuted the case in a trial before the state Senate. Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding the awarding of approximately $571.93 million in federal stimulus funds to help strengthen services for students in several of her local schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. McClinton said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: Philadelphia City School District: $565.9 million. Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School: $2.39 million. Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School: $1.64 million. KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School: $1.36 million. Philadelphia Montessori Charter School: $643,007. "These are challenging times, especially for our students and teachers," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "These federal stimulus dollars are critical in helping ensure our young people have access to the resources they need to continue receiving a quality education whether at home or in the classroom." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school districts and Read more
As part of her ongoing fight to enact criminal justice reforms and provide individuals with a second chance, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton today applauded the team effort that helped more than a dozen of her neighbors get their criminal records sealed in Delaware County. McClinton partnered with state Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Phila./Delaware, and the Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania yesterday for their sixth annual Delaware County Virtual Expungement Clinic to provide legal resources, information and advice to the community. McClinton said of the more than 40 participants, 20 had their criminal records sealed. "I've always been a strong believer that one mistake should not dictate a person's future, and I'm extremely grateful to have community partners who feel the same way," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "We've enacted legislation to help individuals move on from the past by providing them with opportunities; however, it's not only about enacting change but making sure people know about it and how it impacts them, which was one of the main purposes of our expungement clinic." "Many people with criminal records don't know the expungement, Clean Slate or pardon laws or where to turn, leaving them feeling trapped," said Erica Briant, supervising attorney of the Community Engagement Unit at Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Read more
Pa. House Democratic Caucus Leader Joanna McClinton joined Governor Tom Wolf to urge the General Assembly to allocate funds that are already available to provide much needed support to Pennsylvania businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Read more
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