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

Giving Our Wisest Neighbors a Boost in their Bank Accounts

(Jul 07, 2023)

Every year hundreds of thousands of our wisest neighbors and other eligible Pennsylvanians benefit from the state’s popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Under the program, which was established more than 50 years ago, seniors 65 or older, widowed people 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older can receive a rebate of up to $650 on the property tax or rent they paid the previous year if they have an income below a certain threshold. But over the years, fewer Pennsylvanians have qualified for a rebate because their income had increased due to modest Social Security cost-of-living adjustments and surpassed the threshold. In fact, the income limits and the rebate amounts haven’t changed in nearly 20 years. But that is about to change. This year House Democrats led the charge to give this important program a facelift. Soon the PTRR income threshold will get a needed boost. The income limit is increasing to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, and the income limit will rise annually based on changes in the cost of living. Updating the income limit means an additional 173,000 Pennsylvanians will qualify for a rebate! Plus, because the existing rebate amount hasn’t kept up with inflation, we’re bumping that up too! Under the improved Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the maximum rebate will increase from $650 to $1,000. These updates to the PTRR, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan Read more

 

A tragic loss in our community; Protect your personal information at Saturday’s shred event

(Jul 06, 2023)

Our community suffered a tremendous loss Monday following a mass shooting event in the Kingsessing section of southwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

Speaker McClinton's statement on Thursday's SCOTUS decision on college admissions

(Jun 29, 2023)

Speaker McClinton's statement on Thursday's Supreme Court decision on college admissions: “A year after the Dobb’s ruling rescinded a woman’s right to an abortion, SCOTUS – an unelected and unaccountable body - again reversed a long-time precedent that may negatively impact millions of Americans. Today’s ruling ending the use of affirmative action in higher education admissions hurts all students but is especially detrimental to Black and brown students who are already underrepresented on many college campuses. This is incredibly disappointing at a time when we need to be doing more to foster diversity and inclusion, not less. In Pennsylvania, we’ll continue to fight for equitable educational opportunities for every student." Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

House Democrats’ aggressive bipartisan agenda results in passage of more than 100 bills to date this year

(Jun 26, 2023)

Harrisburg, June 26 – Just six months into the 2023-24 legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democrats are delivering on their promise to prioritize the issues Pennsylvanians care about by passing more than 100 bills focusing on a variety of critical issues that will improve lives for Pennsylvanians. “I’m proud that House Democrats are continuing to advance a people-first agenda,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “In just the past few weeks our caucus has advanced measures that would make more seniors eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, plus increase their rebates. We passed an expanded Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit -- because when families can afford childcare, more Pennsylvanians can work. We passed tax credits for people in some of the commonwealth’s most in-demand and understaffed professions like nurses, teachers and police. We’re helping all Pennsylvanians save for retirement using our Keystone Saves Program. And we advanced a long-overdue boost in the state minimum wage, which lags every surrounding state and has kept too many Pennsylvanians in poverty.” “After a dozen years of inaction on issues that Pennsylvanians truly care about, we have put forth a diverse, aggressive and bipartisan agenda that will ensure Pennsylvania is a better place to live, learn and work,” said House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery. “Our Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95

(Jun 23, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the reopening of Interstate 95 today ahead of the originally scheduled two-week timeline. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the group, which toured the site this morning, values the immediate response and leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and expeditious work of crews from the Philadelphia building trades. “Our tour this morning gave us an up-close look at the incredible work being done here,” Cephas said. “It's only by the hard work of our local trades, facilitated by coordination with state, city and federal officials, that we're able to get this major artery through our city re-opened so much earlier than anyone expected,” Cephas added. “Our city is in awe and gratitude of the speedy engineering and production of our Philadelphia building trades members and contractors.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton said that she celebrates the collective effort that made possible the reopening of six lanes of traffic that will keep the City of Brotherly Love up and running for locals and hundreds of visitors. “Philadelphia is a hub for everything from commerce to health care to recreation,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “So, today’s reopening of I-95 is great news for our neighbors, people who visit our Read more

 

POSTPONED: Southwest Resource Fair; This week at the Capitol -- and more!

(Jun 22, 2023)

Neighbors – Saturday’s Southwest Resource Fair has been postponed until Aug. 2. Read more

 

Don’t miss FRIDAY’s Curbside Resource Fair; Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended; Another successful week in the PA House

(Jun 14, 2023)

Neighbors – don’t miss THIS Friday’s Curbside Resource Fair! Read more

 

Southwest Community Day is THIS Saturday; This week at the Capitol; Happy Pride Month!

(Jun 08, 2023)

Southwest Community Day is Saturday, June 10 at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center, 5801 Kingsessing Ave. from noon to 6 p.m.! Read more

 

New law will help Pennsylvanians beat breast cancer and save lives

(Jun 06, 2023)

I was proud to stand alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro last month when he made history signing his first bill into law - a bill I voted for and, as speaker, steered through the state House. Read more

 

The work starts now: It’s time to make Pennsylvania’s education promise a reality

(Jun 06, 2023)

Each year, kindergartners enter the William Penn School District full of the energy and optimism that only five-year-olds can bring. They are risk-takers who believe they can do anything. And they are right. Read more

 

PA House Welcomes New Legislators Heather Boyd, Michael Stender

(Jun 05, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 5 – Today the state legislature welcomed its two newest members, Rep. Heather Boyd, D-Delaware, and Rep. Michael Stender, R-Montour/Northumberland. Boyd and Stender were elected to serve their communities in a special election last month. “Swearing in new members is always a special occasion in the state House of Representatives,” said Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “As longtime public servants, Representatives Boyd and Stender both bring valuable experience to their new roles and will contribute greatly to the policy debates in Harrisburg. “I’m confident that the more than 120,000 Pennsylvanians they collectively represent will benefit from having such dedicated elected officials as their voice in Harrisburg.” McClinton added that the new members are joining the state House at a busy time, having advanced 44 bills – all with bipartisan support – in just three weeks in late April and May. Additionally, the legislature is currently debating the state budget which is due by June 30. “The state House has been advancing legislation to strengthen our communities and help Pennsylvanians of all ages at an ambitious pace,” McClinton said. “I’m proud of the work the House has been able to achieve so far this legislative session and am hopeful about what we’ll Read more

 

Don’t miss FRIDAY’s Curbside Resource Fair; Family Fun Day: Health and Wellness Fair is THIS Saturday!

(Jun 01, 2023)

Neighbors – don’t miss THIS Friday’s Curbside Resource Fair! Read more

 

Celebrating the PA Legislative Black Caucus, K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action; Keeping you safe – historic gun safety legislation passes House

(May 25, 2023)

On Tuesday, House Democrats celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on the second annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action! Read more

 

Pa. House Speaker Joanna McClinton: House Democrats offer a new kind of leadership

(May 19, 2023)

Pennsylvanians were looking for fairness, new ideas and a new direction, and for the first time in over a decade, Pennsylvanians elected Democrats to run the state House. Since then, Democrats have shown that they can deliver on the promises of better jobs, better schools, and safer communities. Read more

 

Don’t miss our upcoming community events; Happy National Police Week

(May 18, 2023)

Neighbors – don’t miss THIS Friday’s Curbside Resource Fair! Read more

 

Speaker of the House highlights Delco Health Department

(May 15, 2023)

EDDYSTONE, May 15 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton highlighted the positive contributions the Delaware County Health Department has accomplished and ways it has impacted the community just a year after being launched in April 2022. “From West Nile Virus to tracking Delco health trends, the Delaware County Health Department is laying the foundation for a healthier county” said Speaker McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “With new threats to public health emerging every day, I’m proud to support the work of the Health Department to identify, educate, and lead in protecting our community” said McClinton, who brought the House Majority Policy Committee in for a roundtable and tour Monday in Delaware County. During the first days of the pandemic in Pennsylvania, on March 6, 2020, the governor held a press conference to announce two confirmed presumptive COVID-19 cases – including one case in Delaware County. The county had not yet developed its own health department, and it relied on neighboring Chester County to help inform citizens. It exposed a weakness in Delco and for many of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Before it created its own health department, Delco was the largest county – by population – without its own health department. Even after its creation, only Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia run their own county-wide health departments. Other counties Read more

 

Make sure your vote counts Tuesday; Southwest Community Day is May 20; Family Fun Day: Health and Wellness Fair in Yeadon

(May 11, 2023)

The May 16 Primary Election is just around the corner, neighbors! Reminder: Completed mail-in ballots must be RECEIVED by your county election office by 8 p.m. on May 16 - POSTMARKS ARE NOT ENOUGH. Read more

 

A historic week at the state Capitol; Our Curbside Resource Fair is May 5; Southwest Community Day is May 20!

(May 04, 2023)

Neighbors – we made history this week, saved lives and began the process of STOPPING discrimination and hate in the commonwealth. I’m SO proud of my House Democratic colleagues, the state Senate and the prime sponsors of these bills! Read more

 

Fiedler, Pisciottano Right to Organize legislation passes House

(May 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 3 – Today, H.B. 950 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, which would enshrine Pennsylvania workers’ right to organize in the state constitution passed the Pennsylvania House and now heads to the PA Senate for consideration. Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution does not guarantee workers the right to organize and collectively bargain. This legislation proposes to amend Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution to enshrine these rights for all workers in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the bill would prohibit any other laws that interfere with or diminish collective bargaining rights. Fiedler said that the passage of H.B. 950 by the House is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania workers and expressed gratitude to her House colleagues who voted for the bill. “Workers fuel our economy. They are the mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles of our commonwealth. Workers deserve to be treated with respect and that’s exactly the goal of this legislation,” Fiedler said. “I am grateful to all my colleagues in the House who voted for the bill, and I now call on the Senate to show their support for Pennsylvania’s workers and move this amendment forward.” Pisciottano said it’s important everything possible be done to protect and support workers’ right to organize. Read more

 

Giving Our Wisest Neighbors a Boost in their Bank Accounts
Jul 07, 2023

A tragic loss in our community; Protect your personal information at Saturday’s shred event
Jul 06, 2023

Speaker McClinton's statement on Thursday's SCOTUS decision on college admissions
Jun 29, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

House Democrats’ aggressive bipartisan agenda results in passage of more than 100 bills to date this year
Jun 26, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95
Jun 23, 2023

POSTPONED: Southwest Resource Fair; This week at the Capitol -- and more!
Jun 22, 2023

Don’t miss FRIDAY’s Curbside Resource Fair; Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended; Another successful week in the PA House
Jun 14, 2023

Southwest Community Day is THIS Saturday; This week at the Capitol; Happy Pride Month!
Jun 08, 2023

New law will help Pennsylvanians beat breast cancer and save lives
Jun 06, 2023

The work starts now: It’s time to make Pennsylvania’s education promise a reality
Jun 06, 2023

PA House Welcomes New Legislators Heather Boyd, Michael Stender
Jun 05, 2023

Don’t miss FRIDAY’s Curbside Resource Fair; Family Fun Day: Health and Wellness Fair is THIS Saturday!
Jun 01, 2023

Celebrating the PA Legislative Black Caucus, K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action; Keeping you safe – historic gun safety legislation passes House
May 25, 2023

Pa. House Speaker Joanna McClinton: House Democrats offer a new kind of leadership
May 19, 2023

Don’t miss our upcoming community events; Happy National Police Week
May 18, 2023

Speaker of the House highlights Delco Health Department
May 15, 2023

Make sure your vote counts Tuesday; Southwest Community Day is May 20; Family Fun Day: Health and Wellness Fair in Yeadon
May 11, 2023

A historic week at the state Capitol; Our Curbside Resource Fair is May 5; Southwest Community Day is May 20!
May 04, 2023

Fiedler, Pisciottano Right to Organize legislation passes House
May 03, 2023