State Rep. Joanna McClinton announced today that $88,749 in grants is going to help local and emergency service organizations offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Act 26, McClinton said the state made $50 million in grants available to fire and emergency medical service organizations that were affected by the pandemic, which includes: Darby Fire Co. No. 1: $25,342. Yeadon Fire Co. No. 1: $23,428 (fire), $15,048 (EMS). Philadelphia Fire Co.: $24,931. "Our first responders have been on the front lines of this global pandemic since the beginning, refusing to let the coronavirus stop them from fighting to protect the people they serve," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Now it's our turn to protect these brave individuals by connecting them with the resources they need to help make it home to their loved ones safely.” The funding can be used for operational and equipment expenses. More information about the grants is available here . Read more
With Philadelphia surpassing the number of homicides it saw in all of 2019, state Rep. Joanna McClinton is stressing the need to end this culture of killing by teaching young people how to settle disputes civilly instead of resorting to violence. "During a time this country needs unity, it is absolutely awful to see so much hate being spewed across a city that I'm proud to call home," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "My heart aches for the children, parents and loved ones who have been lost this year because of these senseless acts of gun violence. I am a firm believer that instilling real change starts with our young people." McClinton introduced legislation ( H.B. 2895 ) that would require public schools to provide age appropriate instruction on conflict resolution and how to resolve differences peacefully to all students, with the overall goal of reducing violence. "Introducing these core values at a young age will help get our children on the right path from the beginning and give them a better chance to finish school, enter the workforce and lead a successful and safe life," McClinton explained. "Gun violence is an epidemic, and we need all hands on deck in order to protect our neighborhoods from any more tragedy." McClinton said the Education Department would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide Read more
In an effort to curb ongoing gun violence, state Rep. Joanna McClinton introduced legislation that would require public schools to teach students how to resolve problems peacefully through conflict resolution. Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton is applauding a $250,000 state grant announced today to make improvements to the Bartram’s Mile Trail in Philadelphia. McClinton said the funding is part of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Recreation and Conservation grant program and will be used to rehabilitate an abandoned industrial pier along the trail at 49 th Street. The work includes the stabilization and construction of a fishing pier and pedestrian walkways, while working on handicap access, landscaping, and other related site improvements. “The Bartram’s Mile trail offers a great place for my neighbors to enjoy the outdoors and rich history Bartram’s Garden has to offer right here in Southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “During a time we’re stressing the need to protect ourselves during COVID-19, I am committed to securing resources to revamp places like this and provide my communities with the opportunity to get out of the house while still being able to follow the appropriate safety guidelines.” The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land and Water Read more
With a clear understanding of the importance of being counted, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to raise awareness and help people complete the 2020 census. "This opportunity only comes once every 10 years, and I am committed to making sure everyone knows what's at stake if they do not participate in the 2020 census," said McClinton. "As public servants, it's our duty to connect those we serve with the resources they need to succeed and that's exactly what the census aims to provide. However, it all depends on response." McClinton and Scanlon, both D-Phila./Delaware, welcomed neighbors to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church this past Saturday for their Census 2020 Day of Action, where they not only assisted participants in filling out the census, but also caravanned and canvassed afterwards with official enumerators to educate residents on why their response is vital to their community. "From securing critical federal funding to invest in priorities like schools, roads and assistance programs to making sure our communities are fairly represented in Harrisburg and Washington, the census plays a critical role in laying the groundwork needed to help move our neighborhoods forward," McClinton explained. McClinton has held similar events in recent weeks, including a Civic Engagement Pop-Up event in Cobbs Creek section of her legislative district, along with a curbside Read more
McClinton is inviting her neighbors to learn how they can make a difference in their community by coming out to complete the 2020 Census, apply to vote-by-mail and sign up to be an Election Day poll worker. Free groceries will also be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Read more
With the COVID-19 virus continuing to create health concerns for older Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with Aetna today to drop off 80 care packages of personal protective equipment to help seniors stay safe during the pandemic. "The coronavirus is not stopping, and neither should our efforts to protect our most vulnerable communities from this deadly crisis," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I am proud to work with an organization like Aetna that shares in my commitment to support our wisest neighbors by connecting them with critical resources aimed at ensuring their well-being." McClinton said free bags of masks, soap, hand sanitizer, toilet tissue and information about state resources were given to the Friendship Circle Senior Center to be distributed to residents safely during socially distanced events scheduled for later this week. "We are a community organization and this event is just another way we're striving to put the health and safety of our communities first," said Desaree Jones, Aetna's community development coordinator, Eastern Pennsylvania. "We are grateful to partner with Rep. McClinton to deliver these crucial supplies, prevent people from having to go out during the pandemic and ultimately help in the ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19." McClinton previously worked with Aetna to Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton continues her efforts to put her neighbors first by connecting them with the critical resources needed to vote, get counted in the census and make it through the COVID-19 pandemic safely. "With Election Day less than two months away, the 2020 census deadline just days away and the challenges created by the coronavirus felt every day, I want to make sure the residents of the 191st Legislative District have access to the tools and information they need to stay ahead of these major events all while protecting themselves and their family from the ongoing health crisis," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. McClinton said she teamed up with a number of community partners for her Curbside Resource Fair this past Friday outside her Philadelphia office, where more than 50 participants received free masks, hand sanitizer and other wellness materials; vote-by-mail applications; and the chance to complete the 2020 census ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. "Being counted in the census isn't just about filling out a form but making sure our home gets its fair share of federal funds to invest in strengthening schools, roads, health care and assistance programs that many of the individuals I serve depend on to survive," McClinton said. "I am fortunate to work with local leaders who help make this resource fair and others like it happen." McClinton Read more
In the wake of Avante Reynolds’ tragic and senseless death, we attended a meeting convened by officials from PennDOT and the Philadelphia Streets Department to discuss pedestrian safety improvements along Cobbs Creek Parkway. Our offices would like to share the information that we received in that meeting with our communities. PennDOT will be making changes in the immediate future, and we are grateful for that — but we also believe these changes are deeply insufficient to reduce the alarming number of crashes, injuries, and deaths along the Parkway. Within the next month, PennDOT will be funding and installing multiple improvements. They will add rumble strips along the center lanes along the Parkway from Girard Avenue to Baltimore Avenue, which cues drivers to slow down if they are veering or driving too fast. This is a new style of rumble strip technology which minimizes noise and nuisance to neighboring residents. At appropriate locations between Delancey Street and Florence Avenue, PennDOT will install ‘lane separators,’ slightly-raised blocks shaped like curbs with plastic delineators that will be placed diagonally across portions of the center lanes where driving is not permitted. These will provide further physical barriers to people driving into the portions of the road with the double yellow lines, where driving should not be taking place. Finally, at a number of locations, PennDOT will reduce lane widths, add pedestrian crossing markings, Read more
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
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