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Joanna McClinton on the importance of inclusive representation in Pa. government | Opinion Video

House Democrats back Gov. Wolf’s business support plan, demand more help for renters facing eviction amid current COVID-19 surge

(Dec 23, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – House Democratic leaders pledged support for Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to transfer $145 million in funds to directly help businesses across the state hit hard by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also renewing their call to support families facing eviction. This as Republicans redirected $108 million in CARES Act money intended to help renters and homeowners to instead offset costs from the Department of Corrections. “Since before this terrible pandemic started, we’ve been fighting to help people in our communities, including small businesses and the people who work at and rely on those businesses. So, today’s announcement from the governor is definitely welcome,” Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “But we know that businesses can’t succeed without customers, and people who are forced to put most of their income into housing expenses can’t afford to be customers. A rising tide should lift all boats, so House Democrats are also committed to ensuring that money is made available as soon as possible to help those struggling to pay their rent. We cannot leave them behind.” “We’ve been telling people they can save lives and save local businesses by staying home and ordering in, but you can’t deliver a meal to someone who doesn’t have a home address,” House Democratic Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila., said. “The Read more

 

House Democrats fight for safety and common sense

(Dec 23, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – House Democratic leaders announced the introduction of new operating rules for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to adopt when the 2021-22 legislative session begins on Tuesday, Jan. 5. These proposed rules prioritize the safety of the public and communities while ensuring that legislators are able to continue to serve all Pennsylvanians. As we ask workers at every level to mask up and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must do the same ourselves, Democratic leaders said. Democrats’ proposed temporary rules to help mitigate the virus include: Requiring all members to wear masks over the mouth and nose in accordance with CDC guidelines while conducting official business, including during House session and committee meetings. If a legitimate medical condition precludes a member from wearing a traditional cloth mask, a plastic full-face shield would be required. Mask-wearing was recommended in 2020 by the PA House Bipartisan Management Committee, but never became a House rule and was subsequently disregarded by many Republicans. Requiring all members to have their temperature checked before in-person attendance at committee meetings or on the House floor. Ensuring full transparency and full representation of all Pennsylvanians by giving all members, including those not physically present, the ability to use video conferencing to speak on bills and be heard by the full body, as the Pennsylvania Read more

 

The election is over, and COVID-19 is surging. Where are Harrisburg Republicans?

(Dec 21, 2020)

We are at a crossroads as a commonwealth and a nation as we battle the most serious and deadly surge of coronavirus cases to date. Despite a White House that has focused all its attention on making baseless claims to undermine election results, the CDC continues to urge Americans to avoid gathering this holiday season to slow the spread and save lives. It’s a tall order and significant sacrifice for all of us as we grapple with the thought of not seeing friends and family members. It truly didn’t have to be this way if our leaders had worked together from the start. We know the pandemic has been grossly mismanaged at the federal level with disastrous effects. Here at home, Republicans who have held the majority in our state legislature for the last decade have spent 10 months trying every trick in their book to undermine our governor, our health professionals and a preponderance of the medical and scientific evidence that has guided Pennsylvania's pandemic response. Most recently, many have joined President Trump in his fruitless quest to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters -- landing themselves, once again, on the wrong side of history. Even in Georgia, where President-elect Biden won by a much slimmer margin than in Pennsylvania, GOP legislators resisted the urge to pander to an inflamed mob and, instead, discharged their constitutional duty responsibly and faithfully. They didn’t take part in the Rudy Giuliani traveling COVID super-spreader Read more

 

McClinton applauds $40,000 grant to help Bartram's Garden educate young people about the need to protect the Schuylkill River

(Dec 18, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced today that Bartram's Garden is receiving a $40,000 state grant to aid in their ongoing efforts to connect young people with the Schuylkill River. Known as a Coastal Zone Grant, McClinton said the funding was made possible by the Department of Environmental Protection and will be used to invest in Bartram's Garden's Schuylkill River Youth Crew, which is made up of local youth who: Learn about the Schuylkill watershed and river safety. Study community organizing and environmental justice. Lead community-driven research and data collection. "Our young people are the future, and educating them early on in life about the importance of putting our environment first is critical in keeping our fight going to combat climate change and ensure everyone has access to clean air and water," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I commend Bartram's Garden for creating such a great program that transforms participants into leaders with the ambition to not only protect our waterways but encourage others to do the same." SRYC also engages in a variety of river-related activities, including kayaking, water quality monitoring and wildlife observation. Coastal Zone Grants are awarded to projects related to fisheries, wetlands, stormwater management improvements, recreation, public education, coastal hazards such Read more

 

PA House Dems stand with those impacted by mitigation efforts; call for support and safety in pandemic response

(Dec 11, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – Following news of the governor’s most recent mitigation efforts and hearing Republicans rebuke these safety efforts, Pennsylvania House Democratic leaders released this statement today: “As cases of COVID-19 surge throughout Pennsylvania and our hospitals become increasingly strained, the decision made by Governor Tom Wolf was a difficult but necessary choice that will undoubtedly save lives. We understand the economic impact this will have on many local businesses and are angry and frustrated that our Republican colleagues, who have held majorities in the House and Senate for years -- and through this pandemic -- continue to choose political gamesmanship over providing meaningful relief to this commonwealth. “We had an opportunity to provide $1.3 billion in relief to those impacted by this pandemic -- to provide relief to farmers, childcare providers, veterans, local restaurants, frontline workers, wineries, breweries, distillers and more. Republican leaders did not bring a single one of those bills to the floor for a vote. Relief funding should be used to set up contingencies for if and when virus mitigation efforts will need to be implemented. Instead, Republican leaders chose to use it to close funding gaps in the budget. “Unfortunately, what was left undone by our colleagues has left these industries floundering again, this time wondering how they will make it through the holidays during a deeply strained time. Read more

 

McClinton wishes governor speedy recovery, stresses the need for all Pennsylvanians to follow COVID-19 precautions

(Dec 09, 2020)

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton released the following statement in response to news of Gov. Tom Wolf testing positive for COVID-19. "I want to extend my sincere wishes and prayers that Governor Wolf has a speedy and complete recovery from COVID-19. I am grateful he appears to be asymptomatic and is taking the proper precautions to help stop the spread and protect others from contracting the virus by self-quarantining. "His positive test is a stark reminder that no one is immune to COVID-19 and is even more of a reason for everyone to wear a mask, social distance and stay home unless it's absolutely necessary to go out. "These actions are needed now more than ever as hospitals across the commonwealth are overwhelmed with coronavirus patients, leaving few beds in their intensive care units, while doctors and nurses are left fighting tirelessly to keep up. This is also a time when Pennsylvania is continuously reporting a record number of cases. "As House Democratic Leader, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Harrisburg to connect all Pennsylvanians with the resources they need to get through this pandemic safely. In turn, I am calling on all Pennsylvanians to help us flatten the curve by following the steps laid out by our health experts. "No one said this would be easy, but if we work together, we will get through this safely, together,” McClinton said. Read more

 

Democratic Leader McClinton on Tuesday's Supreme Court decision on the presidential election

(Dec 09, 2020)

The presidential election is over. It was conducted fairly and the result is final. Read more

 

McClinton teams up with Walmart to present $6,000 in grant funding to help three local nonprofits

(Dec 09, 2020)

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton teamed up with Walmart on Tuesday to present three local nonprofits with $2,000 each in grant funding to aid their ongoing efforts in putting the needs of her most vulnerable neighbors first. "This is about supporting those who work tirelessly to support individuals most in need," said Leader McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "From teenagers and young adults to individuals re-entering society after serving their time, each of these organizations has proven a true commitment and desire to never give up on our most vulnerable populations, and provide them with the opportunities that give them the best chance to succeed." McClinton said the funding was made possible through the Walmart Foundation's community grants program and went to: Gateway to Re-entry. New Options More Opportunity. We REIGN Inc. "I am proud to have partners like Walmart who understand the importance of connecting critical resources to groups and programs that strive to make a difference in our community," McClinton explained. More information about the Walmart Foundation and the grant opportunities it offers can be found on its website . Photos of the check presentations can be Read more

 

House & Senate Leaders defend the people's free, fair and open 2020 election

(Dec 04, 2020)

The facts are clear: Pennsylvania had a free, fair, and secure election. It was executed with the utmost integrity by our elections officials in every county and a cohort of poll workers across the state. Read more

 

McClinton applauds governor for taking action to protect Pennsylvanians from severe flooding caused by climate change

(Dec 03, 2020)

With an increasing number of Pennsylvanians falling victim to severe flooding, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is joining Gov. Tom Wolf and other state leaders in demanding action to address climate change. "Perpetual flooding sparked by climate change continues crippling this commonwealth, and I won't sit idly by as the homes and businesses of my neighbors in Southwest Philly, Delco and across Pennsylvania are left picking up the pieces," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Just this week, my communities had to contend with severe weather and even the threat of a tornado. The fact is we have the power to protect our neighborhoods and prevent further damage." McClinton joined Wolf for a virtual news conference yesterday, where he announced a plan to address flood hazard mitigation by requiring the State Planning Board to develop a series of recommendations and best practices relative to land use, planning, zoning and stormwater management, with the emphasis on reducing the incidence of flash flooding in communities that impacts residents and businesses. The State Planning Board will establish state goals and strategic investments to assist municipalities, which will then be incorporated by state agencies into their appropriate funding applications. "I applaud the governor for taking these steps to get Pennsylvania on the right track," explained McClinton. "As the new House Democratic leader, I am committed to Read more

 

Fall 2020 Newsletter

(Nov 30, 2020)

From laying out her priorities as the next Leader of the House Democratic Caucus to important COVID-19 resources, it's all in state Rep. Joanna McClinton's latest newsletter. Read more

 

As COVID-19 Cases Reach Critical Levels, Wolf Admin Announces New Mitigation Efforts

(Nov 23, 2020)

With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Gov. Tom Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time. Read more

 

McClinton teams up with community leaders to distribute hundreds of free turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving holiday

(Nov 23, 2020)

In her ongoing effort to help her neighbors have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with community leaders to distribute hundreds of free turkeys safely to families in need in Philadelphia and Delaware County. McClinton partnered with King Saladeen to give away approximately 500 turkeys at Myers Recreation Center on Saturday. Just a day earlier, her office worked with Fresh Direct to distribute more than 100 turkeys to individuals at the Darby Recreation Center. "COVID-19 may have changed how we deliver resources but it's not stopping us from delivering resources," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Families need our help more than ever. I commend our community partners for joining us in taking the precautions necessary to ensure people can feed their loved ones this Thanksgiving." McClinton added mask wearing, social distancing and other CDC guidelines were enforced during both events. Read more

 

Op-ed: Justified Doesn't Always Mean Right! When will Black Lives Really Matter?

(Nov 23, 2020)

Check out state Rep. Joanna McClinton's latest op-ed, featuring her ongoing fight to instill the real change needed to ensure Walter Wallace Jr. doesn't become a forgotten statistic Read more

 

Philadelphia announces new “Safer at Home” restrictions to fight rising COVID-19 cases

(Nov 16, 2020)

In response to rising COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the City and Department of Public Health have announced changes to restrictions on businesses, events and gatherings, and other activities to help flatten the epidemic curve, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and reduce the number of COVID-19 deaths. Read more

 

McClinton Historically Elected as House Democratic Leader

(Nov 13, 2020)

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

 

House Democrats elect leaders for upcoming legislative session

(Nov 12, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The 90 members of the House Democratic Caucus who won election last week to serve during the 2021-22 session today chose their caucus leaders. Due to the high risk of Covid-19 transmission a number of lawmakers participated in the meeting virtually. Read more

 

McClinton responds to release of video showing Wallace's death during police-involved shooting

(Nov 04, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4 - State Rep. Joanna McClinton issued the following statement today after the Philadelphia Police Department released body cam video and 911 audio of the deadly officer-involved shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. "Brutal, disturbing, traumatic and tragic don't even begin to describe the emotions I'm feeling right now after watching the video showing the final moments of Walter Wallace Jr.’s life – a young Black man whose cries for help ended with his untimely death as his entire family watched helplessly. This painful heartbreak is further proof of the systemic racism that permeates law enforcement and the oppression that continues crippling our communities of color. "Police are supposed to protect us in times of need and should be equipped to de-escalate situations while carrying out their commitment to preserve human life. The cries heard on this footage from his mother and wife are the cries for real police reform that is needed urgently in this city. "While we're still coming to grips with another life cut far too short, the fact Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw agreed to release this body cam footage - which is a first in the department's history - along with the new training being implemented for officers and 911 dispatchers shows a willingness by law enforcement to take steps towards preventing similar tragedies in the future and moving towards change that's needed now more than ever. Read more

 

McClinton demands accountability from Philadelphia Police Department after mother and child dragged from SUV

(Oct 30, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is demanding accountability from the Philadelphia Police Department after officers snatched a Black woman out of her SUV during the unrest, beat her, separated her from her 2-year-old child for hours, and handcuffed to her in the hospital where she received treatment for her injuries. McClinton called the incident that took place in her community deeply concerning and charged for transparency from the police department for their actions. “The Philadelphia Police Department must come forward with a clear explanation as to why officers swarmed that vehicle, busted out its windows, dragged out a mother, beat her, and took her child--who was also left injured,” said McClinton, who is also House Democratic chairwoman. “Recounting what was seen in the video that captured the ordeal is difficult, and I know the trauma that this mother and her baby will continue to suffer from is unimaginable. This situation will not go unquestioned.” The high-ranking legislator also condemned the National Fraternal Order of Police for posting a picture of a white female police officer holding the toddler after he was pulled from the vehicle that was falsely captioned: “This child was lost during the violent riots in Philadelphia, wandering around barefoot in an area that was experiencing complete lawlessness. The only thing this Philadelphia police officer cared about in that Read more

 

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police

(Oct 27, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, along with its members and members of the Pennsylvania Police Reform Working Group and the Philadelphia House Delegation, are demanding justice for West Philadelphia resident Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old Black man, who was killed by police on Monday afternoon in the Cobbs Creek section of the city. Members of these respective legislative bodies also called on the legislature to expeditiously pass the multiple pieces of police reform legislation languishing without action, some of which address procedures on non-lethal de-escalation methods and would instill policies for safer police interactions with residents experiencing mental health crises. “A mother watched her son, suffering from mental illness, be met with a barrage of bullets before her eyes, and a neighborhood saw the same. A mother and father lost their son, and children have lost their father--generations of one family and an entire community are now forced to bear that trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “Indeed, it’s trauma that we are all forced to bear as we have yet to receive justice for the countless other Black lives killed with impunity at the hands of police. Furthermore, during a time when seeking mental health resources is strongly encouraged, this tragedy reveals that living with mental illness while Black, however, and crying for help is Read more

 

House Democrats back Gov. Wolf’s business support plan, demand more help for renters facing eviction amid current COVID-19 surge
Dec 23, 2020

House Democrats fight for safety and common sense
Dec 23, 2020

The election is over, and COVID-19 is surging. Where are Harrisburg Republicans?
Dec 21, 2020

McClinton applauds $40,000 grant to help Bartram's Garden educate young people about the need to protect the Schuylkill River
Dec 18, 2020

PA House Dems stand with those impacted by mitigation efforts; call for support and safety in pandemic response
Dec 11, 2020

McClinton wishes governor speedy recovery, stresses the need for all Pennsylvanians to follow COVID-19 precautions
Dec 09, 2020

Democratic Leader McClinton on Tuesday's Supreme Court decision on the presidential election
Dec 09, 2020

McClinton teams up with Walmart to present $6,000 in grant funding to help three local nonprofits
Dec 09, 2020

House & Senate Leaders defend the people's free, fair and open 2020 election
Dec 04, 2020

McClinton applauds governor for taking action to protect Pennsylvanians from severe flooding caused by climate change
Dec 03, 2020

Fall 2020 Newsletter
Nov 30, 2020

As COVID-19 Cases Reach Critical Levels, Wolf Admin Announces New Mitigation Efforts
Nov 23, 2020

McClinton teams up with community leaders to distribute hundreds of free turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving holiday
Nov 23, 2020

Op-ed: Justified Doesn't Always Mean Right! When will Black Lives Really Matter?
Nov 23, 2020

Philadelphia announces new “Safer at Home” restrictions to fight rising COVID-19 cases
Nov 16, 2020

McClinton Historically Elected as House Democratic Leader
Nov 13, 2020

House Democrats elect leaders for upcoming legislative session
Nov 12, 2020

McClinton responds to release of video showing Wallace's death during police-involved shooting
Nov 04, 2020

McClinton demands accountability from Philadelphia Police Department after mother and child dragged from SUV
Oct 30, 2020

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police
Oct 27, 2020