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
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
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