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
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so does state Rep. Joanna McClinton's efforts to protect her communities from the virus. She teamed up with health care provider Aetna and Dedicated Senior Medical Center Wednesday to deliver critical personal protective equipment to more than 300 residents at Presbyterian Apartments in Southwest Philadelphia. "If there's one thing we've learned from this pandemic it's that no one should have to go through it alone," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I am proud to work with community partners who feel the same way and share my commitment to provide our wisest neighbors with the resources they need to not only help ensure their safety, but assist in our overall goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19." McClinton noted that each care package contained essential items, including hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, toilet paper, soap and information about state-related assistance programs. "We have made progress in flattening the curve, but now is not the time to let up," explained McClinton. "It's our responsibility now more than ever to put the health and well-being of others first by coming together and doing what's necessary to protect Pennsylvanians - especially those most vulnerable to the virus. And I don't plan on stopping anytime soon." McClinton previously worked Read more
Details about information and resources related to COVID-19. Read more
Check out my latest update to read about the new police reform bills signed into law, plans to reopen schools safely and funding to help provide hazard pay to frontline workers. Read more
In her ongoing effort to help her most vulnerable neighbors during the COVID-19 health crisis, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with Greyhound Cafe Wednesday to provide free healthy meals to those in need. "While we've made progress in our fight to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the pandemic continues creating challenges for families, leaving many struggling to put food on the table," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "The folks at Greyhound Cafe and I recognize this, and we're working together to not only feed these families, but connect them with nutritious food options that both satisfy their hunger and bolster their health." The group delivered 50 dinners to residents at Bartram Village in Southwest Philadelphia. "The purpose of our restaurant is to offer affordable plant-based food options to those who may not otherwise have access to it," said Joseph Solar, owner of Greyhound Cafe. "When COVID-19 hit, we adjusted to the limited dining experiences and found a way to assist individuals by bringing healthy meals to them over the summer." McClinton explained that a former Greyhound Cafe employee and college student from West Philadelphia, Haakim Peay, has been the visionary behind Wednesday's food giveaway, along with other similar ones in Frankford Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton is applauding Gov. Tom Wolf today for signing two critical police reform bills into law aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement across the Commonwealth. "This is truly an historic step in our fight to end systematic racism in Pennsylvania by enacting real change that Black and Brown individuals need now more than ever," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "The fact these bills swiftly moved through the legislature, passing both the House and Senate unanimously and making it to the governor in just a matter of weeks, proves we can get the people's work done when we work together." McClinton joined the governor outside the office of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency as he signed: H.B. 1841 – Requires thorough background checks prior to the hiring of a police officer, as well as requires the establishment and upkeep of a confidential database, which will contain information about past criminal convictions/employment separations of police officers. Hiring departments would be expected to query this database prior to hiring a certified officer. H.B. 1910 – Requires that police officers be trained on racial, ethnic and economic diversity; implicit bias; recognizing and reporting child abuse; and annual training on the appropriate use of force. The bill also increases access to officers’ mental health evaluations. Read more
From protecting homeowners and renters to details about a new criminal justice reform law, check out my latest update from Harrisburg. Read more
In response to Vice President Mike Pence visiting with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, the Police Reform Working Group, made up of state and county elected officials and advocates, released the following statement:“As members of the Police Reform Working Group, we believe that the path to achieving community safety and racial justice in Pennsylvania must be two-fold. First, we must improve our current system of policing through accountability, oversight, and tangible policy changes that will diminish instances of police brutality against all citizens, but especially against the Black community. Second, we must work with communities to transform and re-envision policing itself through bold systemic changes that center around those most impacted by police violence and structural racism. Read more
In her ongoing fight for criminal justice reform, state Rep. Joanna McClinton today is commending Gov. Tom Wolf for signing S.B. 637 into law. The bill removes outdated professional licensing barriers so skilled workers with criminal records can get a second chance and start good careers. The bill makes the following improvements for the state’s 29 occupational licensing boards: Boards and commissions can no longer use a person’s criminal history to deny someone a license unless their criminal history is directly related to the occupation in which they are seeking licensure. Directs boards to individually consider applications based on the offense, the amount of time since the conviction and the applicant’s personal progress and training, among other factors, before withholding licensure. Requires boards to create a public list of criminal offenses that may prevent licensure. Allows individuals to get a preliminary decision if their conviction is likely to disqualify them from licensure so they do not waste time and money on training. Individuals can still apply and present evidence to support their licensure. Creates temporary licenses in barbering and cosmetology for reentrants trained in a correctional facility who otherwise would be denied a license because of their criminal record. Licensees can work one to two years and demonstrate competency. “This Read more
Check out my latest e-newsletter to find out which police reforms are heading to the governor, how homeowners and renters can apply for COVID-19 relief and the grant program available for small businesses. Read more
From passing police reform legislation to helping you through the COVID-19 pandemic, it's all in my Summer Newsletter. Read more
Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief beginning Monday, June 29. At that time, applications will be accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website at www.PHFA.org . Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the applicant-homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program, they will need to document at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for Unemployment Compensation. Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For more information Read more
From our office reopening to a new grant program to help small businesses recover from COVID-19, check out my latest e-newsletter. Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton is commending her House colleagues for joining her today in unanimously passing critical police reform bills to help ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement across the commonwealth. "I'm proud to have been part of history, as all members from both sides of the political aisle came together, did the people's work and moved Pennsylvania forward," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "We have a responsibility to provide justice to all, but too many times, justice and fairness have fallen short for Black and Brown folks, particularly as it deals with policing. Today, we put our communities of color first by using our power as legislators to push to implement change." The House passed: H.B. 1841 – Would require thorough background checks prior to the hiring of a police officer, as well as require the establishment and upkeep of a confidential database which will contain information about past criminal convictions/employment separations of police officers. Hiring departments would be expected to query this database prior to hiring a certified officer. H.B. 1910 – Would require that police officers be trained on racial, ethnic, and economic diversity; implicit bias; recognizing and reporting child abuse; and annual training on the appropriate use of force. The bill also would Read more
Check out which police reform bills are moving forward, Philly's plan to get to the Green Phase and the new support available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Read more
Amid ongoing demand for racial equality and police reforms, state Rep. Joanna McClinton said she is proud to be part of the newly created Taskforce on Criminal Justice Reform in Delaware County and looks to use her role to bridge the divide between law enforcement and communities of color. "We must take action now to help stop targeted violence against our black and brown neighbors at the hands of police," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Just this week, 1,000 young people at Penn Wood High School organized their very own protest to make sure everybody knows that their lives matter. They are concerned about whether or not they'll be the next Breonna Taylor or George Floyd. We have a responsibility to prevent that from ever happening and this taskforce is a step in the right direction." McClinton joined Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and County Council, who are both spearheading this initiative, along with other community leaders Tuesday outside of the county courthouse in Media, to lay out details of the taskforce, which will include measures to strengthen accountability in the criminal justice system, as well as improve police-community relations. "I look forward to working with this diverse group to ensure we don't let this be a moment in time that passes," McClinton said. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Phila), the House Democratic Caucus Chair, applauded the House Judiciary Committee for passing a series of important police and criminal justice reform bills on Monday. Two bills related to police hiring and training, and a third bill that will help citizens with past convictions return to the workforce all passed unanimously. “I want to thank my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for working in a thoughtful, bi-partisan manner to move these pivotal police and criminal justice reform bills forward,” McClinton said. “I’m proud to see the committee following part of the road map created by the PA Legislative Black Caucus and the Police Reform Working Group to get us to this point. Now I’m calling on House Republican Leadership to schedule these bills for a vote during the week of June 22 when we return to Harrisburg for voting session.” The committee passed several important pieces of legislation at their meeting on Monday: H.B. 1841 – Would require thorough background checks prior to the hiring of a police officer, as well as require the establishment and upkeep of a confidential database which will contain information about past criminal convictions/employment separations of police officers. Hiring departments would be expected to query this database prior to hiring a certified officer. H.B. 1910 – Would Read more
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