Pa. state Rep. Joanna McClinton was elected by her Democratic colleagues as the House Democratic Leader for the 2021-22 legislative session. She is the first Black woman to lead any Caucus in Pennsylvania, and the first woman to be a Floor Leader in the House. Read more
HARRISBURG, 4 de Marzo - Como residente de Filadelfia de toda la vida, Joanna McClinton solía utilizar los trenes y autobuses de SEPTA y comprende las muchas maneras en que el transporte público apoya vidas e industrias en toda la región. En su nueva capacidad como líder del Caucus Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes de Pensilvania, McClinton nombró al líder sindical de Filadelfia, Esteban Vera Jr., como miembro de la junta de gobierno de SEPTA. Es el primer latino en servir en la junta. “Las personas a las que represento dependen todos los días de los servicios de SEPTA para llegar a sus trabajos, escuelas, citas médicas, realizar compras y, a pesar de los enormes desafíos durante la pandemia, SEPTA ha continuado estando ahí para las personas que dependen de él”, dijo McClinton. “Esteban Vera Jr. le agrega una perspectiva importante al liderazgo de SEPTA, tanto como el primer latino en ser gerente comercial del Local de Obreros # 57 por los pasados cinco años. Antes de eso trabajó en construcción y organizando. ”, dijo McClinton. Vera Jr. creció en el norte de Filadelfia y es un veterano del ejército de los Estados Unidos que sirvió en Bosnia en la década de 1990. El otoño pasado apareció en Al Dia como "el campeón laboral latino de Read more
HARRISBURG, March 4 – As a lifelong Philadelphian, Joanna McClinton often used SEPTA trains and buses herself and she understands the many ways in which mass transit supports lives and industries across the entire region. In her new capacity as leader of Pennsylvania’s House Democratic Caucus, McClinton has named Philadelphia labor leader Esteban Vera Jr. to SEPTA’s governing board. He is the first Latino to serve on the board. “The people I represent depend on SEPTA services every day to get to their jobs, to school, to medical visits, to go shopping – and despite huge challenges during the pandemic, SEPTA has continued to be there for people who rely on it,” McClinton said. “Esteban Vera Jr. adds an important perspective to SEPTA’s leadership, both as the first Latino and as the business manager of Laborers’ Local #57 for the last five years. He worked on construction and organizing before that,” she said. Vera Jr. grew up in North Philadelphia and is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Bosnia in the 1990s. Last fall he was profiled in Al Dia as “Philadelphia’s Latino Labor Champion.” His work as the top official in the Laborers’ local includes overseeing contract negotiations, organizing and member representation. The members of Local #57 often work on heavy highway and bridge construction projects. “I’m excited to see how Mr. Vera will contribute to Read more
In her ongoing efforts to protect her communities during the pandemic, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is teaming up with Latino Connection and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4 to provide free COVID-19 tests at Greater Hope Christian Academy, located at 7029 Woodland Ave. in Philadelphia. Interested participants are asked to wear a mask. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton has appointed Markita Morris-Louis of Philadelphia to the board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “Helping people to buy homes and remain in homes is crucial to building stronger communities at any time, and even more during this pandemic,” McClinton said. “It’s the central mission of PHFA and I cannot think of a better person to move this work forward than Markita Morris-Louis.” Morris-Louis, a Philadelphia native, is a long-time steward in the fields of affordable housing and housing policy. She has worked for almost 20 years as an attorney helping people and community-based nonprofit groups with issues of housing, consumer protection and civil rights. “I am truly grateful to Leader McClinton for the opportunity to represent the interests of families with low incomes and other vulnerable populations in setting policy for the development and preservation of affordable housing through PHFA’s board. “I have devoted a significant portion of my career to community development and helping consumers achieve financial stability through homeownership and other asset-building opportunities. I am delighted by this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth through PHFA’s activities and thankful to Leader McClinton for her support,” Morris-Louis said. She held leadership positions at several regional organizations and is now the chief Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is reminding her neighbors that her office staff is available to answer their questions about the Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program and help them apply. Read more
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has become aware of multiple attempts by fraudsters to obtain individuals’ personal and confidential information through fake Facebook pages and is reminding Pennsylvanians to never provide their information to anyone over social media. Important tips L&I’s Facebook page has a blue check box next to the name that identifies it as a verified page. Comments by the legitimate L&I page also have a blue check box next to them indicating it as a verified page. If a comment or page does not have this check box, it is a fraudster posing as L&I. L&I does not post responses directly to claimants, send private messages, or ask for a private message to be sent. L&I also will not ask individuals to call or text a phone number. The only phone numbers for unemployment are: 1-888-313-7284 (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). 1-855-284-8545 (for PUA claimants). L&I will not ask for individuals to send an email. The only email addresses for unemployment are: uchelp@pa.gov (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants). ucpua@pa.gov (for PUA claimants). Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton responded to the news that a pending constitutional amendment to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse will be further delayed due to an administrative breakdown at the Department of State: “This is heartbreaking for survivors of an unspeakable trauma who have waited too long for the chance to see justice. If there is any way to achieve a quicker legislative solution than waiting for two more years, the House Democratic Caucus will fully support it,” McClinton said. “Governor Wolf called on us to pursue this as a regular bill through the legislative process. I also think that in this unique circumstance it would be appropriate for the House and Senate to pass an emergency constitutional amendment using Article XI of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which requires a two-thirds vote, in order to put the question before the voters this year as originally intended. “I feel terrible for our House colleagues Mark Rozzi and Jim Gregory who have put a human face on this injustice and poured their hearts into repairing the damage done by perpetrators of abuse. All the men and women who were preyed upon when they were children deserve a better outcome,” McClinton said. Read more
How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim : Log in to your dashboard Select “File for Weekly Benefits” Then select “File Your Weekly Certification to Continue Your Claim” You will see the message “You currently have a claim established however it is inactive.” Click on “here.” It will seem as if you are opening a new claim. The system knows you are only attempting to reopen the claim you already have established. Click Next. You will see the Welcome to Pennsylvania’s Pandemic Unemployment Portal Page. Click next. The next eight pages are pre-populated based on your initial claim information. You will click next after verifying the information is correct on each page. If it is not correct, you should make updates at this time. Note: This includes things such as your email, address, date of birth, education information and employment status. You will also be asked the COVID questions. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE MAJOR DISASTER INFORMATION QUESTION YOU SHOULD SELECT COVID -19 NOT COVID 19 -2 If you reported that you are self-employed, the system will ask for you 2020 wages. This is an error. You should enter all 0s for those wages. You will also need to answer if you have worked since you last filed for weeks. If you have worked, you must click the “I have worked since my last Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton has appointed Frank Dermody to serve on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for the next two years. The board comprises seven members, three chosen by the governor and four by legislative caucus leaders. It ensures the integrity of legalized gaming in Pennsylvania through strict enforcement of law and regulations and the licensing of qualified individuals and entities. “Frank Dermody has been a respected leader in Pennsylvania for many years and I’m pleased that he agreed to continue his public service at the Gaming Control Board. He participated in setting the legislative foundation for our gaming industry, which has grown in just over a decade to become a national leader. Frank’s legal background and legislative experience are outstanding assets for his work as a gaming regulator.” Dermody, a resident of Oakmont in Allegheny County, served in the House of Representatives for 30 years, including 10 years as the House Democratic leader. Before his legislative service, he was an assistant district attorney and magisterial district judge. He also served on the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing for 19 years, including 12 years as the commission’s chairman. In 1994 Dermody was asked by House leaders to guide the impeachment of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice and he prosecuted the case in a trial before the state Senate. Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding the awarding of approximately $571.93 million in federal stimulus funds to help strengthen services for students in several of her local schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. McClinton said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: Philadelphia City School District: $565.9 million. Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School: $2.39 million. Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School: $1.64 million. KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School: $1.36 million. Philadelphia Montessori Charter School: $643,007. "These are challenging times, especially for our students and teachers," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "These federal stimulus dollars are critical in helping ensure our young people have access to the resources they need to continue receiving a quality education whether at home or in the classroom." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school districts and Read more
As part of her ongoing fight to enact criminal justice reforms and provide individuals with a second chance, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton today applauded the team effort that helped more than a dozen of her neighbors get their criminal records sealed in Delaware County. McClinton partnered with state Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Phila./Delaware, and the Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania yesterday for their sixth annual Delaware County Virtual Expungement Clinic to provide legal resources, information and advice to the community. McClinton said of the more than 40 participants, 20 had their criminal records sealed. "I've always been a strong believer that one mistake should not dictate a person's future, and I'm extremely grateful to have community partners who feel the same way," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "We've enacted legislation to help individuals move on from the past by providing them with opportunities; however, it's not only about enacting change but making sure people know about it and how it impacts them, which was one of the main purposes of our expungement clinic." "Many people with criminal records don't know the expungement, Clean Slate or pardon laws or where to turn, leaving them feeling trapped," said Erica Briant, supervising attorney of the Community Engagement Unit at Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Read more
Pa. House Democratic Caucus Leader Joanna McClinton joined Governor Tom Wolf to urge the General Assembly to allocate funds that are already available to provide much needed support to Pennsylvania businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Read more
The same day the president was impeached for inciting a deadly insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, Leader Joanna McClinton joined fellow House leaders to take the first step in restoring the faith of Pennsylvanians by reminding them that the election was free, fair and secure. She explains that accountability must be part of the healing process. Read more
Citing the dangerous lies spread by some Republicans in the General Assembly regarding the 2020 election, House Democratic leaders today released the following statement demanding accountability and responsibility as the nation moves forward:“What we saw last week was nothing short of an attempted coup, instigated not only by the president of the United States but by Republican enablers at all levels of government. Words matter, and the falsehoods, misrepresentations and seditious rantings we’ve heard from some Republican members of the General Assembly can’t go unchallenged. Our nation can’t heal without consequences for the first invasion of the United States Capitol since the War of 1812. Read more
Pa. House Democratic Caucus Leader Joanna McClinton opened the 2021-22 session of the Pa. House of Representatives with a prayer for wisdom and strength in leadership. She also prayed for an end to poli-tricks, games, and turmoil so that all representatives of the people can work together for a brighter future. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 -- The PA House Democratic Caucus leadership team issued a joint statement today as state legislators formally began the 2021-22 Legislative Session: “With 202 members of the House of Representatives due to be sworn in, we celebrate the diversity of our great state and reflect on the shared values common to almost all Pennsylvanians. Yet we also mourn the tragic loss of Representative Mike Reese, whose sudden passing reminded all of us how precious life is. “The importance of the top priorities that House Democrats have consistently promoted -- good jobs with fair pay, quality schools, affordable housing, accessible health care, a safe environment and protection of democracy -- are being highlighted and tested in many ways during this devastating pandemic. “We see the beginning of this new legislative session as a chance to elevate people over partisanship and make gains toward these common goals in all of Pennsylvania’s unique communities – east and west, large and small, urban, suburban and rural. “Democrats in the House hope that our Republican partners will work with us to help people stay in jobs, get back to work and go to school safely; equip healthcare workers properly to battle this pandemic; ensure Pennsylvanians are not evicted from their homes in the middle of a public health crisis; and send targeted relief to the many businesses ravaged by this pandemic. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 2 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, issued the following statement on the passing of state Rep. Mike Reese, R-Westmoreland. “Our hearts are broken at the tragic, untimely loss of our colleague, and we urge every Pennsylvanian to join us in keeping his wife and young children in our prayers. In his time in the legislature Rep. Reese distinguished himself with dedication and decency in all things. He was taken far too soon, and his loss is a loss for our entire commonwealth.” Read more
HARRISBURG , Dec. 31 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, along with state Reps. Jordan Harris and Malcom Kenyatta, both D-Phila., announced this week that the African Cultural Alliance of North America was awarded a $3 million state grant for a development project. “The project being undertaken by ACANA is important in so many ways for the residents of the entire area, and we need to ensure organizations like this are funded for much-needed projects,” McClinton said. “We are in a very difficult time now and we can’t let their projects fall by the wayside. They provide services for our Black and Brown communities that are often out of reach but so very necessary. I was happy to work with my colleagues, Representatives Harris and Kenyatta, to make this happen and appreciate Governor Wolf’s recognizing the importance of projects like this throughout the commonwealth.” ACANA will erect an anchor facility for economic development and cultural needs in Southwest Philadelphia. The Africa Center will be a multi-story building to house community space, office space, retail space and community health services. In future phases, it is anticipated that ACANA will construct three additional floors of a market-rate residential tower. ACANA is a nonprofit organization that serves African and Caribbean immigrants by providing access to social and legal services, community Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State representatives and senators from Delaware County applauded a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award to strengthen the county’s 911 system. Through bipartisan efforts, elected officials helped secure grants to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and help Delaware County’s first responders. This project will strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. “Calling 911 and receiving a timely response has been an issue for years throughout Delaware County,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “Thankfully, this funding will help streamline our communications system to ensure that residents in crisis can quickly receive help and support. I’m proud to see lawmakers from both the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, come together for the safety of the people we represent.” “I’ve heard from many constituents about frustrations they’ve experienced with calling 911 since 2016,” Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced today that the Caring People Alliance was awarded $2 million in grant money for the purchase and renovation of a new building for their Cobbs Creek Boys and Girls Club. The purchase and renovation will create seven classrooms, updating four to meet Pre-K requirements and renovate an outdoor space. The building will be wired for digital learning and a digital classroom. A kitchen and laundry facilities will also be added as well as showers in the gym. “A project like this cannot be looked at as anything but essential for the children it will serve,” McClinton said. “Especially at a time like this in our history where we have seen the catastrophic results of a global pandemic, and people are hurting in ways that are unfathomable, this goes right to the heart of helping our kids not only now but in the future as they in fact are our future. “With a safe and state-of-the-art place to learn and play, the Caring People Alliance’s Cobbs Creek Boys and Girls Club will be able to continue to do the good work that it does and ensure they will do it for years to come,” she added. Caring People Alliance provides a wide range of services to residents in West, North and South Philadelphia as well as operates the Early Learning Resource Center for Region 18, which is a single point of contact for families, early learning providers and communities. Read more
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