With the new school year underway, state Rep. Joanna McClinton isn't letting the coronavirus stop her from helping students succeed in class and adapt to the changes brought on by the pandemic. "Families need our support now more than ever, especially when it comes to making sure our young people have access to a quality education," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "This means connecting them with the tools they need to learn in a safe environment." McClinton hosted back-to-back school resource fairs at the Darby Recreation Center and outside her office in Philadelphia last Thursday and Friday, where she teamed up with local organizations to distribute free backpacks filled with school supplies, including notebooks, folders, pens, erasers and earphones to more than 250 families in need. "Our priority must be to put all people first, which includes our students and teachers," McClinton explained. "As COVID-19 continues building barriers, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Delaware County to knock them down by securing resources to protect Pennsylvanians during this health crisis and ultimately move the commonwealth forward." McClinton thanked her community partners for helping to make both events possible, which comprised: William Penn School District. Aetna. Health Partners Read more
As House Democrats fight to pass their Safe at Home legislation to help protect homeowners, renters and small "mom and pop" landlords, court officials in Philadelphia have put a hold on residential evictions in the city until Sept. 23. Read more
With exactly two months until the general election, state Rep. Joanna McClinton today called on the state Senate to reform legislation that would lead to voter suppression and prevent Pennsylvanians from casting their ballot safely. "This is arguably one of the biggest elections in our nation's history, and we have a responsibility as legislators to pass laws that ensure all Pennsylvanians have the tools to let their voices be heard without worry," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Mail-in voting is a safe and secure way to vote amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should be concentrating on strengthening this process. Instead, the majority party, who decides on what we vote on, is focusing on hindering it with proposals that would cause confusion and create barriers." According to McClinton, H.B. 2626, which passed the House yesterday without her support, would make unnecessary, last-minute changes to mail-in voting and the election process, including measures to: Give counties less time to count ballots. Shorten the time period in which voters can request a mail-in ballot. Ban secure ballot drop boxes. Lift the county residency restriction on which party officials may observe inside polling places, raising concerns about voter intimidation and violence on Election Day. "With an influx of mail-in ballots in the June primary election, Read more
It may seem impossible, but Rep. Joanna McClinton explains in her latest op-ed the actions needed to stop the senseless gun violence plaguing Philadelphia. Read more
With Gov. Tom Wolf's moratorium on foreclosures and evictions set to expire today, state Rep. Joanna McClinton is calling for immediate action on legislation to help protect homeowners, renters and small "mom and pop" landlords survive the COVID-19 pandemic. "As the coronavirus continues, so do the struggles of countless families fighting financially to keep their heads above water. The governor's moratorium has allowed so many Pennsylvanians to keep a roof over their heads during this health crisis," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "As we return to Harrisburg tomorrow for legislative session, our top priority must be to extend this critical lifeline." McClinton joined her House Democratic colleagues in unveiling legislation to extend the moratorium as well as other proposals to: Expand and protect the Rent & Mortgage Assistance Program. Allow tenants who fell behind on rent due to COVID-19-related job losses or slowdowns to get back to good payment standing by waiving late fees on payments. Ensure low-income renters and homeowners in debt have qualified legal representation in disputes with landlords and management companies. Make sure small "mom and pop" landlords who own, manage and, in many cases, live in smaller rental Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 28 – Less than a week after a 23-year-old man was shot and killed in broad daylight, state Rep. Joanna McClinton brought community residents, leaders and law enforcement together Thursday night to address the recent surge in gun violence. “No one should fear for their life when they leave their home or be scared to let their child go outside to play,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “However, when a person is gunned down in the middle of the day in our neighborhood, how can you not be alarmed? The gun violence is out of control, and it’s our responsibility to be proactive to stop the bloodshed.” Individuals from across the neighborhood joined McClinton for the outdoor conversation along Christian Street that included city councilmembers and the 18 th Police District, along with officials from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and state Sen. Anthony Williams’ office. “Stopping this culture of killing and strengthening public safety must include a collaborative effort involving elected officials, law enforcement, local leaders and the people who live here – especially our young people,” McClinton explained. “Gun violence is a community problem that requires a community solution.” McClinton added a critical step to reducing crime is by getting children on the right path from the beginning. She is currently working on legislation Read more
Pa. House Democratic Chair Rep. Joanna McClinton joined advocates for those seeking commutations to make a case for change in how cases are decided. This action comes shortly before the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons begins public hearings in September. Read more
The Police Reform Working Group, a collection of local and state elected officials and advocates, issued the following statement in response to a Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee hearing on law enforcement interactions with the community:“We appreciate the House Republican Policy Committee shining a light on how law enforcement interacts with communities around the state. This is a necessary discussion that is long overdue and it’s encouraging to hear presenters today acknowledge that police reform is necessary. Read more
Ahead of the upcoming school year, state Rep. Joanna McClinton announced today that $234,068 in grant funding is going to help local school districts improve educational services for students who need it most during the COVID-19 pandemic. "With the ongoing challenges created by the coronavirus, schools need our support now more than ever," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "This funding adds to our efforts to connect students with the tools they need to learn in a safe environment during this health emergency." According to McClinton, these state resources are part of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds and have been awarded to the following in the School District of Philadelphia: Add B. Anderson School: $60,522. Motivation High School: $38,655. Penn Wood High School in the William Penn School District also received $134,891. Today’s announcement is part of an approved $17 million to help 220 local education agencies, including school districts throughout the state, that are designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act . The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER Funds. Read more
Check out my latest update for information about Access Centers that will be available for students during digital learning, voting by mail and how long you have to respond to the 2020 Census. Read more
In her ongoing effort to help keep her communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Joanna McClinton helped distribute free personal protective equipment to 150 families today. "The coronavirus has certainly created roadblocks, and as a public servant, I have a responsibility to do whatever is in my power to help my neighbors overcome these obstacles by connecting them with the tools they need to make it through this health crisis safely," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. McClinton partnered with Gateway Health, Philadelphia Gas Works and Oak Street Health to give away masks, hand sanitizer and gloves, along with voter registration applications and information about state resources outside her Philadelphia office on South 60th Street. "Whether it's handing out PPE or boxes of food, securing these types of life-saving supplies isn't done alone and takes a collaborative effort," said McClinton. "I am blessed to have such strong relationships with community partners who share my dedication to put the needs of residents in the 191st Legislative District first." McClinton previously helped distribute PPE to residents at: Presbyterian Apartments. Paschall Senior Apartments and Hardy Williams Veterans Housing Center. Walnut Park Plaza . Read more
Free groceries went to neighbors in need in Southwest Philadelphia today thanks to a collaborative effort involving state Rep. Joanna McClinton and St. Joseph's Preparatory School. "The COVID-19 pandemic continues creating obstacles for families already struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "We have a responsibility to provide our most vulnerable neighbors with the resources they need so they can provide for their loved ones. That's what today's grocery giveaway was all about, and I am fortunate to have community partners like St. Joseph's Preparatory School to help make events like this possible." The group distributed more than 250 food boxes to approximately 100 people at the corner of 60th St. and Baltimore Ave., which included bread, frozen chicken, canned goods, pasta and milk. The groceries were provided by the Caring for Friends organization. "St. Joseph's Prep is proud to partner with state Representative McClinton to continue our mission of 'Men for Others,' as we increase our impact within the City of Philadelphia and surrounding communities," said Erick Woods, Associate Campus Minister for Ignatian Service at St. Joseph's Preparatory School. "The Prep looks forward to another opportunity to work with state Representative McClinton and her team." Just Read more
From COVID-19 resources and how to vote by mail to relief opportunities for homeowners, renters and local business owners, you'll find the information you need in my latest newsletter. Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton announced today a $378,820 state grant she helped secure to continue much needed updates to Yeadon Borough's sewer system. McClinton said the resources will be used to replace defective sanitary sewer main and street laterals on Yeadon Avenue, from Cedar Avenue to just south of Whitby Avenue. "This is great news for Yeadon," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Aging infrastructure can lead to long-term consequences. This funding is critical in helping ensure the quality of our communities and the health and safety of our neighbors." McClinton pointed out the funding was made available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) PA Small Water and Sewer grant program and will cover nearly 85-percent of the $445,671 project. "I will continue fighting in Harrisburg to bring these types of state investments back to the 191st Legislative District that ultimately benefits local residents and their families while aiding in moving our neighborhoods forward," explained McClinton. In 2018, McClinton announced $424,641 in CFA funding to assist with replacing sewer lines along West Providence Road and Yeadon Avenue. PA Small Water and Sewer grants help fund small water, sewer, storm sewer and flood control infrastructure projects with a price tag between $30,000 and $500,00. Read more
The second round of the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is open for applications and will remain open until Aug 28. This program awards grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by COVID-19, with a specific focus on historically disadvantaged businesses. Small businesses interested in this program must apply through a participating Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and can visit pabusinessgrants.com for resources, including an application preparation checklist and eligibility details. As a reminder, if you applied for this program during the first round but did not receive a grant, you do not need to reapply – your application will simply roll over. Read more
HARRISBURG (August 7, 2020) – Today, a group of state lawmakers from Delaware County called for District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to investigate violence and intimidation aimed at Black Lives Matter supporters during a march in Ridley Township on Saturday, August 1 st . State Sens. Tim Kearney and Anthony Williams as well as State Reps. Leanne Krueger, Margo Davidson, David Delloso, Brian Kirkland, and Joanna McClinton signed the letter, which details how peaceful protesters were met with violence and intimidation by a group of counter-protesters. The letter calls for Delaware County’s District Attorney to investigate the counter-protesters’ actions and the Ridley Township Police Department’s response. “I was proud to participate in the Black Lives Matter protest and stand with people of all races and all ages against systemic racism,” said Sen. Tim Kearney . “But I was disturbed by the hate and intimidation that I witnessed firsthand from counter-protesters. We are better than that. We need to make sure our community feels safe when peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights.” “I join others across our community in expressing horror that this demonstration of love and support for Black lives was met by a menacing group with a mission to taunt and intimidate peaceful protesters,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger . “Instead of actively protecting the First Amendment rights of our Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 6 – Students West to Southwest in the legislative district of state Rep. Joanna McClinton will return to learning in a safer environment thanks to pandemic relief funding meant to help schools implement safety plans for students and staff. According to McClinton, Continuity of Education and Equity Grants were awarded to William L. Sayre High School ($8,178) and the Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School ($23,700 ) in her legislative district. The funding comes from the federal CARES Act and authorizes governors to determine the educational use of these relief funds. Continuity of Education and Equity Grants provide funding to support effective continuity of education programs such as summer and other expanded programming and industry credential assessments for students enrolled in career and technology centers negatively impacted by COVID-19 mitigation. “COVID-19 has put numerous and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in front of us each and every day,” McClinton said. “It has derailed education and career readiness in ways we have yet to fully grasp. I am grateful there are grants like this available to help our career schools stay focused on educating our young people in the safest way possible. And, I will continue to work in my capacity as a legislator and advocate to collaborate on ways to ease the burden our community, state, nation and world are facing as we battle this deadly virus.” According Read more
As part of her ongoing efforts to promote gun safety, state Rep. Joanna McClinton is taking action to help secure firearms and protect children. She joined the 18th Police District of Philadelphia Thursday to distribute more than 50 free gun locks to West Philadelphia residents at the 60th Street Station. "Too often, we hear about a child shooting themselves or someone else after getting their hands on a gun at home that an adult thought was safely stored away," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Gun locks are potentially life-saving and can help avert these kinds of tragedies by preventing a young person from being able to pull the trigger." McClinton said the group also handed out a plethora of state resources. "This would not have been possible without Capt. Matt Gillespie and Community Relations Officer Shamssadeen Baukman who are dedicated to serving our communities. I am proud to work with them along with other local law enforcement to provide our neighbors with tools that help ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones," McClinton explained. "In the meantime, my colleagues, and I will continue fighting in Harrisburg to pass legislation to strengthen our gun laws and keep firearms out of the hands of children." One of the proposals McClinton supports is a bill Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with the Health Partners Foundation, Yeadon's Mayor Rohan Hepkins and the Share Food Program Wednesday to distribute 10,000 pounds of free groceries and fresh produce to neighbors in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. "No one should be forced to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "However, that's the sad reality many are facing right now because of this health crisis. I am proud to partner with community leaders who understand these struggles and join in our fight to provide our neighbors with resources that help them overcome the coronavirus safely." The group provided more than 700 families with meal packages filled with a variety of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables, bread and other important resources. "Helping vulnerable community residents address food insecurity is an essential part of the work being done by the Health Partners Foundation," said Staci Scott, president and executive director of the Health Partners Foundation. "However, given the current conditions we find ourselves in, providing access to wholesome, fresh food is more than just fulfillment of our mission -- it is the right thing to do at the right time. That time is now. Families are struggling financially, emotionally, and at HPF we’re just trying to do our part to help out. We Read more
Check out details about our free food giveaway along with how employers can apply for hazard pay to provide their employees on the frontlines of COVID-19. Read more
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