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Weekly Email Newsletter, Aug. 20, 2026

(14 hours ago)

Get Ready for the School Year with my School Supplies Distribution Join me for my Back-to-School Drive and Food Distribution tomorrow, 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 must be present to receive supplies. Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 12PM-3PM 149 S. 60th St., Philadelphia Get Ready for the School Year with my School Supplies Distribution Join William Penn School District and me for a Back-to-School Kickoff at Penn Wood Middle School on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., while supplies last. There will be free school supplies, a used uniform giveaway and a vaccine clinic, plus a chance to meet your child’s principals and teachers! Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 5:30PM-7PM Penn Wood Middle School Gym 121 Summit St. Darby Free Back-to-School Menstrual Products and Produce Jefferson Health Plans is holding a Menstrual Meetup and Free Produce Pop-Up on Aug. 29 at the Community Wellness Read more

 

McClinton to convene historic gathering of trailblazing House Speakers in Philadelphia

(15 hours ago)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 20 – Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, is convening her colleagues Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (Illinois), Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown (Delaware), and Speaker Carl Heastie (New York) for a panel discussion at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia in September. The event A More Perfect Union: from Independence to Inclusion, 250 years of American Democracy will be a candid discussion on the history, current state and future of democracy in America. WHO : Speakers Joanna McClinton (Pa.), Emanuel “Chris” Welch (Ill.), Melissa Minor-Brown (Del.), and Speaker Carl Heastie (N.Y.). WHAT: A More Perfect Union: from Independence to Inclusion, 250 years of American Democracy Panel Discussion . WHEN: 10 – 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10. WHERE: Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required. Those interested can visit McClinton’s Eventbrite for more information and to sign up. Media wishing to attend should contact Nicole Reigelman at nreigelman@pahouse.net . This event is being held in conjunction with the historic convening of the state House in Congress Hall on Sept. 9, and America250PA is an event partner. Other partners include: the Pennsylvania Black Caucus | United Way of Greater Pittsburgh | Black Democratic Women of Montgomery County | Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) – Read more

 

McClinton: PA House Democratic Caucus to expand its majority

(1 day ago)

McClinton: PA House Democratic Caucus to expand its majority HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said that next month the state House will welcome Rep.-elect Brandon Dukes, a Democrat from Butler County in western Pennsylvania. When Dukes is sworn in to the House in September, the body will have 103 Democrats and 100 Republicans and will mark the first time Democrats have surpassed 102 seats, since they won control of the chamber in 2022. “Our caucus has kept its promise to put working families, seniors and students first since securing the majority nearly four years ago,” McClinton said. “Since then, we’ve cut taxes seven times for seniors, families and small businesses, delivered record funding to our public schools, and brought compassion, stability and common sense to governing at a time when our neighbors are reeling from the chaos in Washington.” McClinton said she and her colleagues have worked alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro to boost the state’s economy and make life more affordable by helping seniors save on their property tax bill, creating a new tax credit for Pennsylvania’s workers, and cutting more than $1.5 billion in business taxes. “By strengthening our majority, we will continue advancing policies that make a real difference in people’s lives — from curbing the growth of new data centers and investing in our schools and communities to Read more

 

House Democratic Leadership Commends Gov. Shapiro Action on Data Centers

(Aug 18, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order to hold data center developers accountable and protect Pennsylvanians: “Governor Shapiro’s executive order puts strong, commonsense requirements in place that will hold data center developers accountable and protect our communities, utility costs and environment. “This executive action is necessary, given the Senate Republicans’ inability to advance any legislation to rein in this growing industry. It also builds on the work House Democrats have already advanced through the passage of multiple bipartisan bills to give communities more control, prevent electricity rate hikes, protect clean water, and much more. While these measures to hold big tech accountable sit languishing in the Senate, Governor Shapiro is taking strong, meaningful and comprehensive action. We commend him on his leadership and for putting Pennsylvanians first.” Read more

 

Weekly Email Newsletter, Aug. 13, 2026

(Aug 14, 2026)

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 must be present to receive supplies. Read more

 

McClinton to preside over historic convening of state House in Philadelphia

(Aug 12, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 12 – Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, announced today that the state House will convene for a historic meeting in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall on Sept. 9 to commemorate the nation’s anniversary. During the session, lawmakers will vote on two resolutions celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution nearly a decade later. “From the colonial era through our work today, Pennsylvania’s legislators have helped steer the course of our state and nation,” McClinton said. “September’s historic meeting will celebrate the state House’s central role in the country’s founding and honor the enduring importance of representative government.” McClinton said that in addition to legislative business, the state House is collaborating with America250PA to offer a civic education program to more than 80 students from across Pennsylvania. “This legislative session, coupled with America250PA’s student initiative, is a historic opportunity to reflect on our remarkable history, with an eye toward creating a stronger future for everyone,” McClinton added. “We’re grateful to Speaker McClinton and the Pennsylvania House for their partnership,” said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of Read more

 

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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.

(Aug 10, 2026)

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

(Aug 10, 2026)

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