Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Joanna E. McClinton | News Center

A Panel Discussion on A More Perfect Union: From Independence to Inclusion

(1 day ago)

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, please join Speaker Joanna McClinton of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, along with Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch of Illinois, Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown of Delaware and Speaker Carl E. Heastie of New York for a historic and candid panel discussion on the history, current state and future of democracy in America. Register for this free event here. Read more

 

Expungement Clinic

(1 day ago)

State Rep. Joanna McClinton will be holding an Expungement Fair on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Motivation High School. Bring your case information, including a copy of your court records/minute orders. Attendees must not be in violation, on parole or probation in order to be eligible. There is limited space available so please register before Aug. 28 here. Read more

 

Delco Back-to-School Distribution

(1 day ago)

Students in grades K-12 and their families are invited to join the WPSD community to celebrate the new school year! There will be a vaccine clinic, backpack and used uniform giveaways and opportunities to meet principals and teachers. Read more

 

Philadelphia Back-to-School Distribution

(1 day ago)

Join Representative McClinton and her staff for FREE Back 2 School Supplies, food, fun and games! Rep. McClinton and her staff will distribute information on state services, higher education and college affordability. Children must be present to receive supplies. Read more

 

WHYY: Johnny Sample Rec Center in West Philadelphia’s Cobbs Creek reopens following $15M remodel

(1 day ago)

Philadelphia’s soda tax helped fund the $15 million remodel that includes a new boxing training room and facility upgrades. Read more

 

NCSL: We’re Bound to Disagree. Let’s Just Do It Better.

(1 day ago)

State leaders shared ways to disagree respectfully in the opening session of NCSL’s Legislative Summit in Chicago. Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, Aug. 6, 2026

(1 day ago)

Delaware County Health Department Back-to-School Fair The Delaware County Health Department is holding a Back-to-School Fair on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon. Get ready for your child's upcoming school year with vaccines, haircuts, school supplies and more. Registration is required for backpacks and immunizations and can be done here . Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 10AM-2PM Delaware County Wellness Center 125 Chester Ave., Yeadon Kids Smiles Annual Back to School Bash Kids Smiles will host its annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 15. Members of my team will be on-site to help you with state related issues and to check your eligibility for state programs. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 11AM-2PM Kids Smiles 5828 Market St., Philadelphia Get Ready for the School Year with my School Supplies Distribution Join me for my Back-to-School Drive and Food Distribution on Friday, August 21 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m., while supplies last. There will be free school supplies, food and fun, and my staff will be available to provide educational resources. Please note, children Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 30, 2026

(Jul 31, 2026)

Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church Come out for a day of community connection in partnership with Open Door Mission True Light Church, Rep. Regina Young and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier! There will be food, fellowship and plenty of fun from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Richard Allen Prep Charter School. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 11AM-3PM Richard Allen Prep Charter School Lindbergh Blvd. between S. 57th and 58th Sts. Delaware County Health Department Back-to-School Fair The Delaware County Health Department is holding a Back-to-School Fair on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon. Get ready for your child’s upcoming school year with vaccines, haircuts, school supplies and more. Registration is required for backpacks and immunizations and can be done here. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 10AM-2PM Delaware County Wellness Center 125 Chester Ave., Yeadon Get Ready for the School Year with my School Supplies Distribution Join me for my Back-to-School Drive and Food Distribution on Friday, August 21 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m., while supplies last. There will be free school supplies, food and fun, and Read more

 

Daily Times: McClinton holds senior fair event in Darby

(Jul 27, 2026)

Dozens attended the Healthy from Head-to-Toe Senior Appreciation Fair on Friday presented by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-191, Philadelphia and Delaware counties, at Friendship Circle, 1515 Lansdowne Ave., Darby. Read more

 

Impacto: Pennsylvania House approves bipartisan justice reform measure following Supreme Court ruling

(Jul 24, 2026)

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on July 23 approved bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming the state’s criminal justice system, a measure House Speaker Joanna McClinton said advances fairness, accountability and public safety. Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 23, 2026

(Jul 24, 2026)

Celebrating Seniors with Free Food and Health Screenings My office is hosting a free senior appreciation fair to say thank you to our wisest neighbors this Friday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Friendship Circle Senior Center at 1515 Lansdowne Ave. Attendees can get free health screenings, get help from my staff on any government-related matters and enjoy free lunch. ?? Friday, July 24, 2026 ? 11AM-2PM ?? Friendship Circle Senior Center, 1515 Lansdowne Ave., Darby Free Community Cookout I am partnering with Senator Anthony H. Williams for a free community cookout on July 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 61st and Baltimore. Join us for food, games, music and fun for the whole family! ?? Saturday, July 25, 2026 ? 10AM-7PM ?? S. 61st St. and Baltimore Ave. Basketball Tournament for Dads and Their Kids The Fathership Foundation is holding their “Me & My Dad Got Game” 2 on 2 basketball tournament on Saturday, July 25 starting at 11 a.m. The event is open to all dads, big brothers, uncles, father figures, and children who are in elementary through high school. Registration is required; sign up here. ?? Saturday, July 25, 2026 ? 11AM Read more

 

Statement on Passage of Justice Reform Measure

(Jul 23, 2026)

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton issued the following statement on July 23, 2026: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to justice, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s historic decision in Commonwealth v. Lee provided an opportunity to address years of inequity and rethink reform. House Democrats responded with comprehensive legislation grounded in justice and accountability. The bipartisan legislation passed today fulfills the court’s directive by ensuring that individuals are held accountable in a manner that reflects their level of responsibility for a crime. It also demonstrates our commitment to protecting Pennsylvanians by giving a voice to victims, reducing recidivism through expanded educational opportunities in our correctional institutions, and strengthening compassionate release, a reform that will save the commonwealth millions of dollars without compromising public safety. Read more

 

Email: Grants available for nonprofits helping with tree damage from storms

(Jul 21, 2026)

Neighbors, I know all of you were hit hard by the recent microburst storms and may have downed trees along your streets or in your yards. I wanted to share some important information to community leaders regarding grants that are available to certain charity, non-profit and school groups looking to clean up the damage. The Philly Tree Coalition is awarding $5,000 grants to five 501(c)3 charities or state non-profits supporting tree-related recovery efforts, with a focus on West and South Philadelphia. Examples of eligible activities include: Neighborhood clean-up efforts Tree planting and maintenance Stump removal Tree and environmental education programs Applications opened yesterday, July 20, and will close August 10. Recipients will be notified of their selection between August and September. There is a virtual information session on Friday, July 24 from 12-1 p.m. You can register for the information session here . For the full details on the program and what organization and projects are eligible, click here. Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 16, 2026

(Jul 17, 2026)

What to Know About the 2026/27 State Budget I am happy to share that I negotiated a bipartisan budget that delivers for families, seniors, students and communities without raising taxes. Here are a few ways this budget benefits you and your family: Empowers our students with the resources they deserve through record funding for The School District of Philadelphia and William Penn School District Continues putting money back into the pockets of nearly 950,000 families through the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Makes our neighborhoods safer by increasing funding for Violence Intervention Programs and Rape Crisis Centers Invests in our workforce by increasing funding for Career and Technical Education by $10 million and small businesses by investing nearly $24 million to help our Historically Disadvantaged Small Businesses Gives a much-deserved cost of living increase to retired public servants like teachers and firefighters TOMORROW: Free Food at my District Office My office, in partnership with Rep. Amen Brown’s office, Caring for Friends, and Sharing Excess, will be giving out free, healthy food on July 17, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. All are welcome! ?? Friday, July 17, 2026 ? 12PM-2PM ?? 149 S. Read more

 

McClinton announces more than $3 million awarded to west, southwest Philly and Delco projects

(Jul 17, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, July 16 – Today, PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that more $3 million in state funding has been awarded to projects serving neighborhoods in west and southwest Philadelphia and in Delaware County. Four projects in McClinton’s district were awarded grants through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job in Harrisburg is advocating for local organizations and bringing state resources back to our communities,” McClinton said. “From our seniors living in Cobbs Creek, to children in Southwest Philly, to patients in Darby and Yeadon, these investments will strengthen housing, health care, education and recreational opportunities, improving quality of life for residents and helping our communities attract more visitors.” The four projects in McClinton’s district are: Walnut Park Plaza II, $500,000, to modernize the apartment building's operating systems for energy efficiency and achieve modern accessibility standards. Mercy Catholic Patient Area, $300,000, to refresh patient care rooms and support spaces, including improvements to the lighting, HVAC system and plumbing, to enhance patient comfort and staff efficiency. Cobbs Creek Stream Restoration, $2 million; part of a large-scale redevelopment project to revitalize, restore and reimagine the historic site as a hub for community, education and recreation. Cornerstone Read more

 

Healthy from Head to Toe Senior Appreciation Fair

(Jul 15, 2026)

Join Speaker McClinton for a celebration especially for seniors to say "thank you" for being such a valuable part of the community. There will be free lunch, health screenings, and staff available to help with any government-related matters. Please RSVP by calling 215-748-6712. Read more

 

Statement on the Passage of the 2026/27 State Budget

(Jul 14, 2026)

Speaker Joanna McClinton issued the following statement on July 12, 2026, following the passing of the Pennsylvania budget: "At a time when federal actions have made life more difficult through deep program cuts and policies that have driven up costs, in Pennsylvania we continue to deliver for every family, senior, and child. I am proud to have steered a bipartisan, no-tax-increase budget that makes meaningful investments in our schools, public safety, health care, and affordable housing. This budget includes the third $565 million installment of our commitment to finally fund Pennsylvania's public schools more equitably, ensuring that students in districts like William Penn and Philadelphia receive the resources they deserve. It also strengthens school safety, expands access to career and technical education, and continues providing free breakfast to students. Beyond our classrooms, this budget invests in stronger, healthier communities. It increases funding for public safety initiatives, expands opportunities for historically disadvantaged businesses, maintains record investments to combat food insecurity, improves access to mental health services, and supports the development of affordable housing across the Commonwealth." Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, July 9, 2026

(Jul 10, 2026)

Save the Date: Free Food at my District Office My office, in partnership with Rep. Amen Brown’s office, Caring for Friends, and Sharing Excess will be giving out free, healthy food on July 17, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. All are welcome! ?? Friday, July 17, 2026 ? 12PM-2PM ?? 149 S. 60th St., Philadelphia Resources for New and Expecting Moms and Dads State Senator Sharif Street will be holding a Community Baby Shower at Temple University on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and expecting parents can take advantage of free resources to help their babies and growing families thrive. ?? Saturday, July 18, 2026 ? 10AM-1PM ?? Aramark Student Training and Recreation (STAR) Complex 1816 North 15th St., Philadelphia Free Community Cookout I am hosting a free community cookout in partnership with Senator Anthony H. Wiliams on July 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 61st and Baltimore. Join us for food, games, music and fun for the whole family! ?? Saturday, July 25, 2026 ? 10AM-7PM ?? S. 61st Street and Baltimore Avenue Community Day with Open Door Mission True Light Church Read more

 

Votebeat: Pa. elections could look different if Democrats win full control of state government in 2026

(Jul 08, 2026)

Last May, the state House passed an omnibus election bill sponsored by Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton that would have significantly reshaped Pennsylvania elections. Read more

 

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun: West Philadelphia honors community champion Gerald Wayne Renfrow with street renaming on historic Osage Avenue

(Jul 08, 2026)

More than 100 community members joined Pennsylvania legislative leaders, elected officials, family, friends, and neighbors on June 28, to celebrate the official unveiling of “Gerald Wayne Renfrow Way,” permanently designating the 6200 block of Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia in honor of the late Gerald Wayne Renfrow. Read more