joanna-mcclinton
‘Abortion rights are always on the ballot.’ Advocates issue a call to action ahead of 2022 election
More than a dozen state legislatures have imagined a post-Roe era, with bills to limit abortion access. And if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark case, more could follow.
Panel approves final Pa. legislative maps in bipartisan vote
Supporters hope they'll increase minority representation, but House Republicans are skeptical.
Pa. Gov. Wolf announces $15M for gun-violence prevention programs | Friday Morning Coffee
The Democratic governor made the announcement during an appearance in Philadelphia, which has been wracked by gun violence.
New district maps loom over Pa. lawmakers ahead of long-awaited reveal
As the Pennsylvania General Assembly finished off its last week of lawmaking of 2021, the specter of a key vote on Thursday — one entirely outside of its control — loomed over their debates. “You know, today, the chatter in this building is maps,” state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Greene, quipped on the House floor while […]
In a deadly year, $3.6M in state grant money to aid Philly’s gun violence prevention efforts
The city has logged 513 homicides this year, according to the Philadelphia Police Department’s crime maps statistics database, the deadliest year on record.
Rittenhouse verdict will ’embolden vigilantes,’ anti-gun violence group warns | Monday Coffee
The teen's 'military-style rifle and the threatening manner in which he wielded it only served to heighten tensions and invite deadly conflict,' Adam Garber, of CeaseFire Pa, said.
Voters are cynical? The Pa. House didn’t help this week | Thursday Morning Coffee
Voters don't appear to be clamoring for expanded gun rights or attacks on the rights of the accused. But that didn't prove an impediment for the General Assembly this week.
The clock is ticking for lawmakers to draw Pa.’s legislative maps. Here’s why
They must draw the maps by Jan. 2022, but likely will try to finish early to meet deadlines for next year's election.
Pa. lawmakers have been busy. But did they get anything done? That depends
Despite some major gaps. GOP House leaders defended their record so far during this fall's legislative session.
Pa. redistricting commission to count people in prison at their old home, not in their cell
This will effectively mark a small but meaningful shift in population from Pennsylvania countryside to it’s cities, increasing urban representation while reducing rural representation.
What COVID windfall? States have been slow to spend stimulus cash, report | Thursday Morning Coffee
Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers. A missed opportunity. That’s how Pennsylvania House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, characterized the decision by the Legislature’s Republican majority to bank $5 billion out of $7 billion in federal stimulus funds, instead of spending it on the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. “It’s always good to prevent tax hikes on working families, and we […]
Philadelphia officials demand more action to reduce gun violence
Sen. Sharif Street choked up discussing his cousin-in-law’s murder. April, Street’s wife, left the news conference at one point, sat beside a nearby statue, and cried.