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Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

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8/8/18 – Probation Reform – Philadelphia

(Aug 10, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Materials from House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Joanna McClinton. Read more

 

McClinton, Policy Committee discuss new ideas on probation reform (with video)

(Aug 08, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing at the Philadelphia City Hall on probation reform. McClinton was joined by Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and state legislators from across the commonwealth. The committee discussed initiatives and potential legislation that would update Pennsylvania’s probation policies, reduce recidivism, create reforms and give returning citizens a second chance and save taxpayer dollars. “For far too long administrations and policymakers have enforced probation and parole as a measure of public safety, but it didn’t work. Pennsylvania has the highest parole rate in the nation and nearly one third of our prison’s beds are occupied by citizens who don’t pose a threat to their communities,” McClinton said. “We must reverse the equation by redirecting the hundreds of millions we currently spend in prisons into the resources returning citizens need to succeed.” Sturla added, “This is the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to move probation reform forward. This issue also affects our institutions as probation and parole officers struggle to manage increasing caseloads. Thanks to Representative McClinton for taking the lead on this important conversation.” The committee heard testimony from Christian Stephens, deputy secretary for field services, Pennsylvania Read more

 

McClinton helps 150 constituents protect their identity

(Aug 08, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

DARBY, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, welcomed 150 constituents to her shredding event to help them properly dispose of old papers containing personal information. The event was held at Mercy Fitzgerald Campus and was co-hosted by state Sen. Anthony Williams. “Protecting your identity by shredding documents is a safe measure to get rid of things you no longer need,” McClinton said. “I am pleased to have partnered with Sen. Williams to co-host this event to allow constituents to dispose of important documents safely.” Constituents shredded documents containing information such as Social Security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers, credit card applications, canceled or unused checks and bank statements, among others. Read more

 

McClinton to hold Policy Committee hearing on probation reform Wednesday in Philadelphia

(Aug 03, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 3 – As part of the House Democratic Caucus’ Plan4PA, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., will host a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on probation reform. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Philadelphia City Hall, City Council Chambers (Room 400), 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, 19107. McClinton requested the hearing to discuss potential legislation that would update Pennsylvania’s probation policies, reduce recidivism, create reforms and give returning citizens a second chance and save taxpayer dollars. McClinton will be joined by state legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: 2 p.m. Welcome and opening remarks 2:10 p.m. Panel: Christian Stephens, deputy secretary for field services, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Helene Placey, executive director, County Chief Adult Probation & Parole Officers Association Holly Harris, executive director, Justice Action Network 2:50 p.m. Panel: Office of the Philadelphia District Attorney Mark Houldin, policy director, Defender Association of Philadelphia Leslie Jones, policy and advocacy director, Montgomery County Public Defender Office, and member, Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 3:30 p.m. Panel of parolees John Thompson Crystal Walker 3:50 Read more

 

McClinton announces fruit and vegetable grant for local schools

(Jul 31, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

DARBY, July 31 – Today, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia/Delaware, announced grants that provide fresh fruits and vegetables for students were awarded to local schools. Mitchell Elementary School received more than $24,000, while Joseph W. Catharine School received close to $30,000 in funding. Located in McClinton’s legislative district, both schools were among 200 other Pennsylvania elementary schools to qualify for the grant. McClinton is also happy to report more than 50 schools in Delaware and Philadelphia counties received this funding. To qualify, a school must have a free and reduced meal eligibility of 50 percent or more. The schools are required to spend a majority of the grant on purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables while also offering nutrition education to students and their families. “Giving our students the resources they need to succeed is a responsibility that other community leaders take very seriously,” said McClinton. “By making sure no child needs to worry where their next nutritious meal comes from, this program not only allows us to help students stay focused in school, but also sets our communities up for great success.” Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and was implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 before expanding nationwide in 2008.The program’s mission is to provide healthier food choices in school Read more

 

McClinton to cohost free shredding event Aug. 4 in Darby

(Jul 23, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

DARBY, July 23 – In her continued effort to protect constituents and their identities, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, will cohost a free shredding event with Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, in partnership with Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at Mercy Fitzgerald East Campus, 1515 Lansdowne Ave. in Darby. Constituents are encouraged to bring unneeded paper items to be shredded for disposal, including old bills, health records and financial items, as well as any other paper items of a personal nature. “With the threat of identity theft everywhere, especially online, I want to make sure people are educated about this issue,” said McClinton. “Improper disposal of old documents is a leading cause of identity theft, and we’re bringing constituents the best defense against becoming a victim of this of crime by organizing shredding events.” Staff members from the offices of McClinton and Williams also will provide help with state issues such as applying for PennDOT materials, Medicaid and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Read more

 

McClinton to co-host info session for seniors on new shingles vaccine

(Jul 18, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, July 18 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and Sayre Health Center will host an information session for seniors about the new shingles vaccine. The session will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25 at Christian Compassion CDC, 6150 Cedar Ave., Philadelphia, 19143. "Older adults and people with a weakened immune system are at greatest risk for developing shingles. As part of my ongoing effort to promote better health in our communities, I want to make sure those at highest risk know how to protect themselves," McClinton said. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It's caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Staff from McClinton’s office will be on hand at the July 25 event to provide senior literature and to answer questions about state issues and programs. For more information, contact McClinton’s office at (215) 748-6712. ### Read more

 

McClinton gun buyback event collects over 300 firearms

(Jul 03, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, July 3 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, Sen. Anthony Williams, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and the Philadelphia Police Department, hosted the 2018 Safe Sumer Gun Buyback. More than $30,000 in gift cards were awarded to participants for over 300 guns turned in. “I am amazed with the amazing turnout we had for this event. This shows that people understand that we need to get illegal guns off the streets and we need to ensure that people who own guns are legally able to do so,” McClinton said. “I look forward to hosting more buybacks and encourage people to contribute with this initiative to build a safer environment in our communities.” McClinton said she wanted to thank The Fresh Grocer, The Klutch Kings, the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network, Power 99 FM, The Urban Art Gallery, Abiding Truth Ministries and the Church of the Christian Compassion. Access photo gallery here . Read more

 

Legislative package would help incarcerated women, parents in Pa.

(Jun 21, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

HARRISBURG, June 21 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and colleagues today unveiled a package of legislation that would help incarcerated women and parents in Pennsylvania. "I'm glad that we're having vital, bipartisan discussions about criminal justice reform. I think it's crucial for those discussions to include women and girls of color," said Cephas, chairwoman of the Women and Girls of Color Subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. "Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population. Since 1985, the rate of incarcerated women has increased at nearly double the male rate. The ACLU reports that African-American women and women of color are significantly overrepresented in the prison population. African-American women are 30 percent of incarcerated women in the United States, but only 13 percent of the female population. In addition, Hispanic women are 16 percent of incarcerated women but only 11 percent of all women in the U.S." Cephas plans to introduce a bill to create a Women and Girls Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. "I believe this would aid the commission in its work as it specifically relates to research and programs that will have a direct impact on women and girls." Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., chairman of the PLBC, said, “This package of legislation would help support incarcerated women in the commonwealth’s prison Read more

 

McClinton motion delays vote on sentence risk assessment tool

(Jun 14, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, today lauded the vote by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to postpone a move on the controversial sentence risk assessment tool. McClinton, who serves on the commission, made the motion to delay the vote after receiving several pieces of testimony against implementing the tool. The commission voted unanimously to postpone any action. The General Assembly mandated the commission to adopt a sentence risk assessment instrument to serve as an aid in the sentencing process in an effort to reduce the prison population. It would provide judges with facts and information to ensure a defendant receives the proper punishment while indicating if they need help, such as a drug treatment program. McClinton said she believes the risk assessment tool is unfair because it would adversely impact people of color. “During three public hearings, including one in Philadelphia where 33 people testified, we heard from citizens, the Philadelphia Bar Association and advocate groups opposing the sentence risk assessment tool because of its racial implications,” McClinton said. “We cannot allow a judge to put someone in a box when they have a family to support and bills to pay. They should be granted another chance to put their best foot forward and work to become a productive member of society. “I am pleased the commission decided to take a step back, digest and evaluate the comments Read more

 

McClinton: Risk Assessment Potentially Unjust

(Jun 14, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Pa. state Rep. Joanna McClinton answered her community’s call for help. She stopped a new tool, intended to reduce the prison population, from moving forward because of its risk of using race to determine a person’s fate in the criminal justice system. Read more

 

McClinton co-hosts annual shredding event

(Jun 12, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, June 12 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, welcomed more than 200 constituents to her shredding event to help them properly dispose of old papers containing personal information. The event was held in the parking lot of Motivation High School and was co-hosted by state Sen. Anthony Williams. “With identity theft being a constant threat, it’s important for people take the precautionary steps to protect themselves from becoming a target of theft,” McClinton said. “I am proud to see this year’s event resulted in nearly four tons of paper being shredded.” McClinton added she wanted to thank the Burns’ Family Fresh Grocer Supermarkets for sponsoring the event. Constituents shredded documents containing information such as Social Security numbers, credit card or bank account numbers, credit card applications, canceled or unused checks and bank statements, among others. Read more

 

McClinton welcomes 400 families to Southwest Community Day

(Jun 06, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, June 6 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, welcomed 400 families of the 191 st Legislative District to her Southwest Community Day, where the whole family could enjoy a day of fun and entertainment. “The weather held up and it turned out to be a great day to celebrate our community and empower neighbors with resources,” McClinton said. “I love to hear first-hand what issues our constituents face in their daily lives, and my staff was able to provide on-the-spot assistance.” The event featured 35 vendors that provide community resources and giveaways; main stage entertainment by the African Dance and Drum Ensemble, local churches, local hip hop/R & B artists as well as physical fitness activities; children’s activities, food and refreshments. Attendees also had the opportunity to gather information on a variety of state programs such as CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), Medicaid, and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. McClinton said she wanted to thank the community sponsors and partners, which included Greater Philadelphia Health Action, JEVS at Home, The Village, African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA), Africom, Mercy Health System, Giant, Cousin’s Supermarket, Shoprite, Philadelphia Water Ice Company, CoCo’s Chicken and Waffles and McDonald’s. “I am thrilled that we had 400 families in attendance. I cannot thank the vendors, sponsors Read more

 

Free shred day this Saturday, June 9

(Jun 06, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Protect your identity and personal information by joining me at a community paper shredding event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, June 9 at Motivation High School, 5900 Baltimore Ave. Enter at 60th Street and Baltimore Avenue. Improper disposal of old documents with personal and financial information is a leading cause of identity theft. Items such as old tax returns and bank statements, as well as credit card and other financial and medical records, should be shredded, not just thrown out. This is a great opportunity to safely clean out old records and also help the environment! My staff and I also will be in attendance to answer questions and provide assistance for constituents applying for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Taking a stand for our Eagles Just one day after I stood next to the Vince Lombardi trophy that was presented to our beloved Philadelphia Eagles for their Super Bowl win, I am discouraged to hear President Trump decided to cancel the team’s visit to the White House. This came after it was reported the team planned to only send about 10 players. Regardless, that does not justify his inexcusable action. As a result of what the president did, I will be introducing a House resolution, condemning his decision to cancel the Eagles visit. Click on the photo below to see more on my reasoning. Celebrating the Read more

 

McClinton Giving Safe Harbor to Children Victims

(Jun 05, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

The Pa. House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that will protect victims fo child trafficking from being treated as criminals themselves. State Rep. Joanna McClinton has been fighting for the safe harbor legislation throughout her legislative career. Read more

 

Free shred day this Saturday, June 9

(Jun 05, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Free shred day this Saturday, June 9 Protect your identity and personal information by joining me at a community paper shredding event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, June 9 at Motivation High School, 5900 Baltimore Ave. Enter at 60th Street and Baltimore Avenue. Improper disposal of old documents with personal and financial information is a leading cause of identity theft. Items such as old tax returns and bank statements, as well as credit card and other financial and medical records, should be shredded, not just thrown out. This is a great opportunity to safely clean out old records and also help the environment! My staff and I also will be in attendance to answer questions and provide assistance for constituents applying for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Taking a stand for our Eagles Just one day after I stood next to the Vince Lombardi trophy that was presented to our beloved Philadelphia Eagles for their Super Bowl win, I am discouraged to hear President Trump decided to cancel the team’s visit to the White House. This came after it was reported the team planned to only send about 10 players. Regardless, that does not justify his inexcusable action. As a result of what the president did, I will be introducing a House resolution, condemning his decision to cancel the Eagles visit. Click on the photo below to see more on my reasoning. Read more

 

McClinton, Stack present $1.25 million grant to Free Library of Philadelphia

(May 18, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, May 18 – Following approval from the Office of the Budget, state Rep. Joanna McClinton was joined by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack to present a check for a $1.25 million grant to the Free Library of Philadelphia. With the grant, obtained through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), the Paschalville Branch will receive interior and exterior renovations, new furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as technology and mechanical upgrades. “I am proud that we were able to allocate much needed funding for the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Paschalville Library,” McClinton said. “Our library system not only helps children and youth with their school assignments. They are a hub for people to take skill development courses and trainings, to look for jobs and take an active role in the community.” RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the redevelopment assistance section of a capital budget itemization act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Read more

 

McClinton on Sickle Cell Awareness

(May 02, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Pa. state Rep. Joanna McClinton joined colleagues and advocates to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, hear brave stories from those forced to live with the illness, and call for support in an ongoing fight for a cure. Read more

 

McClinton hosts How to Save Your Home Workshop

(Apr 20, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, April 20 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, hosted a How to Save Your Home Workshop this week at her monthly police captain meeting at the 18th Police District. Residents in the 191st Legislative District were able to receive information from various local government entities on how to save their home from foreclosure. “While foreclosure activity has decreased nationwide, residents in Philadelphia and Delaware counties have not been as fortunate,” McClinton said. “In fact, Pennsylvania has the 10th-highest foreclosure rate in the nation. I was happy to provide residents with the resources available to make affordable payments on their mortgage and back taxes, so that they can keep their homes.” Representatives from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Revenue , Philadelphia Legal Assistance’s Save Your Home program, as well as the Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement, were available to offer information on the following programs and services: the Homestead Exemption program; the Senior Tax Freeze and Tax Deferral program; foreclosure assistance; free legal assistance; and housing and loan counseling. ### Read more

 

McClinton addresses urban gun violence before House Judiciary Committee

(Apr 20, 2018) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

HARRISBURG, April 20 – During a series of hearings on gun violence this week before the House Judiciary Committee, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, addressed the disparity in coverage of gun violence between low-income communities of color and more affluent majority-white communities. During her testimony, McClinton, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, called on the committee to acknowledge gun violence as a public health crisis just like opioids, immediately advance legislation that would keep guns out of the wrong hands, and provide adequate funding for prevention programs and to the Office of the Attorney General for its Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. She said, “While it took tragedies like the Parkland and Las Vegas shootings to gather us here today, I would like to remind everyone that communities of color in Philadelphia, Delaware, Berks, Dauphin, Cambria and Allegheny counties have been victims of gun violence for decades. “In fact, the Center for American Progress reports that African-Americans and Hispanics represent nearly 79 percent of all gun homicides in Pennsylvania. From 2005 to 2014, Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for the rate of gun deaths among African-Americans. Although African-Americans make up about 12 percent of Pennsylvania’s population, they account for nearly 70 percent of gun homicides in our commonwealth. Moreover, Pennsylvania ranked second in the nation for the highest gun death Read more

 

8/8/18 – Probation Reform – Philadelphia
Aug 10, 2018

McClinton, Policy Committee discuss new ideas on probation reform (with video)
Aug 08, 2018

McClinton helps 150 constituents protect their identity
Aug 08, 2018

McClinton to hold Policy Committee hearing on probation reform Wednesday in Philadelphia
Aug 03, 2018

McClinton announces fruit and vegetable grant for local schools
Jul 31, 2018

McClinton to cohost free shredding event Aug. 4 in Darby
Jul 23, 2018

McClinton to co-host info session for seniors on new shingles vaccine
Jul 18, 2018

McClinton gun buyback event collects over 300 firearms
Jul 03, 2018

Legislative package would help incarcerated women, parents in Pa.
Jun 21, 2018

McClinton motion delays vote on sentence risk assessment tool
Jun 14, 2018

McClinton: Risk Assessment Potentially Unjust
Jun 14, 2018

McClinton co-hosts annual shredding event
Jun 12, 2018

McClinton welcomes 400 families to Southwest Community Day
Jun 06, 2018

Free shred day this Saturday, June 9
Jun 06, 2018

McClinton Giving Safe Harbor to Children Victims
Jun 05, 2018

Free shred day this Saturday, June 9
Jun 05, 2018

McClinton, Stack present $1.25 million grant to Free Library of Philadelphia
May 18, 2018

McClinton on Sickle Cell Awareness
May 02, 2018

McClinton hosts How to Save Your Home Workshop
Apr 20, 2018

McClinton addresses urban gun violence before House Judiciary Committee
Apr 20, 2018