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
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, 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
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
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
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
Calling it a major step in their bipartisan effort to enact criminal justice reform, state Reps. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and Sheryl Delozier’s, R-Cumberland, expungement legislation is now on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk after passing both the House and Senate today. “Today once again proves that criminal justice reform is possible in Pennsylvania,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair McClinton. “I applaud my colleagues for supporting our legislation and moving our progress forward to improve our criminal justice system so that it works for all Pennsylvanians.” The bill ( H.B. 440 ) provides an opportunity for an individual to have their record expunged if they have been unconditionally pardoned or fully acquitted of all charges, based on the same conduct or arising from the same alleged criminal incident. Under the proposal, Pennsylvanians will be notified of a potential expungement and have the chance to object and conduct a hearing. “It’s common sense. If a person is found innocent or is cleared of a crime against them, they shouldn’t be forced to suffer the consequences,” explained McClinton. “Our plan would eliminate this unnecessary burden and help instead of hurt their ability to move forward, get a job and ultimately provide for themselves and their family.” McClinton said this legislation builds on the Clean Slate law that took effect across the commonwealth last year Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton announced today that $88,749 in grants is going to help local and emergency service organizations offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Act 26, McClinton said the state made $50 million in grants available to fire and emergency medical service organizations that were affected by the pandemic, which includes: Darby Fire Co. No. 1: $25,342. Yeadon Fire Co. No. 1: $23,428 (fire), $15,048 (EMS). Philadelphia Fire Co.: $24,931. "Our first responders have been on the front lines of this global pandemic since the beginning, refusing to let the coronavirus stop them from fighting to protect the people they serve," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Now it's our turn to protect these brave individuals by connecting them with the resources they need to help make it home to their loved ones safely.” The funding can be used for operational and equipment expenses. More information about the grants is available here . Read more
With Philadelphia surpassing the number of homicides it saw in all of 2019, state Rep. Joanna McClinton is stressing the need to end this culture of killing by teaching young people how to settle disputes civilly instead of resorting to violence. "During a time this country needs unity, it is absolutely awful to see so much hate being spewed across a city that I'm proud to call home," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "My heart aches for the children, parents and loved ones who have been lost this year because of these senseless acts of gun violence. I am a firm believer that instilling real change starts with our young people." McClinton introduced legislation ( H.B. 2895 ) that would require public schools to provide age appropriate instruction on conflict resolution and how to resolve differences peacefully to all students, with the overall goal of reducing violence. "Introducing these core values at a young age will help get our children on the right path from the beginning and give them a better chance to finish school, enter the workforce and lead a successful and safe life," McClinton explained. "Gun violence is an epidemic, and we need all hands on deck in order to protect our neighborhoods from any more tragedy." McClinton said the Education Department would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide Read more
In an effort to curb ongoing gun violence, state Rep. Joanna McClinton introduced legislation that would require public schools to teach students how to resolve problems peacefully through conflict resolution. Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton is applauding a $250,000 state grant announced today to make improvements to the Bartram’s Mile Trail in Philadelphia. McClinton said the funding is part of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Recreation and Conservation grant program and will be used to rehabilitate an abandoned industrial pier along the trail at 49 th Street. The work includes the stabilization and construction of a fishing pier and pedestrian walkways, while working on handicap access, landscaping, and other related site improvements. “The Bartram’s Mile trail offers a great place for my neighbors to enjoy the outdoors and rich history Bartram’s Garden has to offer right here in Southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “During a time we’re stressing the need to protect ourselves during COVID-19, I am committed to securing resources to revamp places like this and provide my communities with the opportunity to get out of the house while still being able to follow the appropriate safety guidelines.” The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land and Water Read more
With a clear understanding of the importance of being counted, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to raise awareness and help people complete the 2020 census. "This opportunity only comes once every 10 years, and I am committed to making sure everyone knows what's at stake if they do not participate in the 2020 census," said McClinton. "As public servants, it's our duty to connect those we serve with the resources they need to succeed and that's exactly what the census aims to provide. However, it all depends on response." McClinton and Scanlon, both D-Phila./Delaware, welcomed neighbors to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church this past Saturday for their Census 2020 Day of Action, where they not only assisted participants in filling out the census, but also caravanned and canvassed afterwards with official enumerators to educate residents on why their response is vital to their community. "From securing critical federal funding to invest in priorities like schools, roads and assistance programs to making sure our communities are fairly represented in Harrisburg and Washington, the census plays a critical role in laying the groundwork needed to help move our neighborhoods forward," McClinton explained. McClinton has held similar events in recent weeks, including a Civic Engagement Pop-Up event in Cobbs Creek section of her legislative district, along with a curbside Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – Days after a Kentucky grand jury’s failure to indict one of the three police officers involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor on charges related to her killing, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, along with PLBC members, said the decision is a grim reminder of how Black lives — more specifically Black women’s lives — are devalued. However, in the spirit of the esteemed PLBC’s core mission of dismantling systemic racism across the commonwealth, the caucus of legislators collectively vowed to use this pain to fuel their ongoing fight for racial justice and meaningful police reform. Kinsey, D-Phila., a father of four Black daughters, expressed that he is especially saddened. He also dissipated the attempts to vilify her memory by reflecting on Breonna’s life and her dedication to public service as a first responder on the frontlines of this pandemic. “I am a father of four Black daughters and my heart is breaking for Breonna and her family as she reflects my own girls. I see their brilliance, their strengths, and their vulnerabilities. It pains me to know that Black girls and women are denied protection and the privilege of being viewed as whole,” the chairman said. “I want to buck that narrative: Breonna was a caring young woman who had a bright future. She effortlessly juggled enjoying life and a Read more
McClinton is inviting her neighbors to learn how they can make a difference in their community by coming out to complete the 2020 Census, apply to vote-by-mail and sign up to be an Election Day poll worker. Free groceries will also be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Read more
With the COVID-19 virus continuing to create health concerns for older Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed up with Aetna today to drop off 80 care packages of personal protective equipment to help seniors stay safe during the pandemic. "The coronavirus is not stopping, and neither should our efforts to protect our most vulnerable communities from this deadly crisis," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I am proud to work with an organization like Aetna that shares in my commitment to support our wisest neighbors by connecting them with critical resources aimed at ensuring their well-being." McClinton said free bags of masks, soap, hand sanitizer, toilet tissue and information about state resources were given to the Friendship Circle Senior Center to be distributed to residents safely during socially distanced events scheduled for later this week. "We are a community organization and this event is just another way we're striving to put the health and safety of our communities first," said Desaree Jones, Aetna's community development coordinator, Eastern Pennsylvania. "We are grateful to partner with Rep. McClinton to deliver these crucial supplies, prevent people from having to go out during the pandemic and ultimately help in the ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19." McClinton previously worked with Aetna to Read more
State Rep. Joanna McClinton continues her efforts to put her neighbors first by connecting them with the critical resources needed to vote, get counted in the census and make it through the COVID-19 pandemic safely. "With Election Day less than two months away, the 2020 census deadline just days away and the challenges created by the coronavirus felt every day, I want to make sure the residents of the 191st Legislative District have access to the tools and information they need to stay ahead of these major events all while protecting themselves and their family from the ongoing health crisis," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. McClinton said she teamed up with a number of community partners for her Curbside Resource Fair this past Friday outside her Philadelphia office, where more than 50 participants received free masks, hand sanitizer and other wellness materials; vote-by-mail applications; and the chance to complete the 2020 census ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. "Being counted in the census isn't just about filling out a form but making sure our home gets its fair share of federal funds to invest in strengthening schools, roads, health care and assistance programs that many of the individuals I serve depend on to survive," McClinton said. "I am fortunate to work with local leaders who help make this resource fair and others like it happen." McClinton Read more
In the wake of Avante Reynolds’ tragic and senseless death, we attended a meeting convened by officials from PennDOT and the Philadelphia Streets Department to discuss pedestrian safety improvements along Cobbs Creek Parkway. Our offices would like to share the information that we received in that meeting with our communities. PennDOT will be making changes in the immediate future, and we are grateful for that — but we also believe these changes are deeply insufficient to reduce the alarming number of crashes, injuries, and deaths along the Parkway. Within the next month, PennDOT will be funding and installing multiple improvements. They will add rumble strips along the center lanes along the Parkway from Girard Avenue to Baltimore Avenue, which cues drivers to slow down if they are veering or driving too fast. This is a new style of rumble strip technology which minimizes noise and nuisance to neighboring residents. At appropriate locations between Delancey Street and Florence Avenue, PennDOT will install ‘lane separators,’ slightly-raised blocks shaped like curbs with plastic delineators that will be placed diagonally across portions of the center lanes where driving is not permitted. These will provide further physical barriers to people driving into the portions of the road with the double yellow lines, where driving should not be taking place. Finally, at a number of locations, PennDOT will reduce lane widths, add pedestrian crossing markings, Read more
With the new school year underway, state Rep. Joanna McClinton isn't letting the coronavirus stop her from helping students succeed in class and adapt to the changes brought on by the pandemic. "Families need our support now more than ever, especially when it comes to making sure our young people have access to a quality education," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "This means connecting them with the tools they need to learn in a safe environment." McClinton hosted back-to-back school resource fairs at the Darby Recreation Center and outside her office in Philadelphia last Thursday and Friday, where she teamed up with local organizations to distribute free backpacks filled with school supplies, including notebooks, folders, pens, erasers and earphones to more than 250 families in need. "Our priority must be to put all people first, which includes our students and teachers," McClinton explained. "As COVID-19 continues building barriers, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Delaware County to knock them down by securing resources to protect Pennsylvanians during this health crisis and ultimately move the commonwealth forward." McClinton thanked her community partners for helping to make both events possible, which comprised: William Penn School District. Aetna. Health Partners Read more
As House Democrats fight to pass their Safe at Home legislation to help protect homeowners, renters and small "mom and pop" landlords, court officials in Philadelphia have put a hold on residential evictions in the city until Sept. 23. Read more
With exactly two months until the general election, state Rep. Joanna McClinton today called on the state Senate to reform legislation that would lead to voter suppression and prevent Pennsylvanians from casting their ballot safely. "This is arguably one of the biggest elections in our nation's history, and we have a responsibility as legislators to pass laws that ensure all Pennsylvanians have the tools to let their voices be heard without worry," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Mail-in voting is a safe and secure way to vote amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should be concentrating on strengthening this process. Instead, the majority party, who decides on what we vote on, is focusing on hindering it with proposals that would cause confusion and create barriers." According to McClinton, H.B. 2626, which passed the House yesterday without her support, would make unnecessary, last-minute changes to mail-in voting and the election process, including measures to: Give counties less time to count ballots. Shorten the time period in which voters can request a mail-in ballot. Ban secure ballot drop boxes. Lift the county residency restriction on which party officials may observe inside polling places, raising concerns about voter intimidation and violence on Election Day. "With an influx of mail-in ballots in the June primary election, Read more
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