The Bellevue Compass Speaker Series—PA Speaker Joanna McClinton

In a recent conversation with Mustafa, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton reflected on her legislative accomplishments, acknowledged the slim but meaningful House majority, and laid out her vision for the future. She highlighted key wins, such as bolstering public education funding, supporting small businesses, and pushing for equitable tax reforms, all while navigating a challenging political landscape. McClinton emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation, safeguarding vulnerable communities from harmful federal policies, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s role on the national stage—particularly as the state prepares for high-profile events and critical infrastructure improvements in the years ahead. Throughout, she remained true to her authentic leadership style, grounded in community engagement, civic education for young people, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the state’s most urgent priorities.

Speaker Joanna McClinton: Reflecting on Progress, Defining Future Priorities for Pennsylvania

During our Compass Conversation with Mustafa, Speaker Joanna McClinton outlined the legislative victories she’s proud of and the goals she’s setting for Pennsylvania in the coming years. The discussion covered a range of topics, from her first-term accomplishments to how she plans to navigate the complexities of the current political climate, particularly with a slim majority in the state House and a Republican-controlled state Senate. Here’s a closer look at her leadership, vision, and the challenges ahead for Pennsylvania.

2024 Election: A Narrow Majority, but a Victory Worth Celebrating

First up during the discussion was the results of the 2024 elections—Speaker McClinton, like many, is going into the new administration change with cautious optimism. Pennsylvania managed to retain a one-seat majority in the PA House and it’s a significant achievement, despite the narrow margin. The victor will allow the caucus to continue pushing forward with its legislative agenda, despite the lost of Senator Bob Casey’s leadership and the setback from Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss. In the Speaker’s words, “A win is a win”, and she’s committed to using that majority to effect change in Pennsylvania. 

A Legacy of Progress: McClinton’s Key Accomplishments

When asked what accomplishments Speaker McClinton takes pride in during her first term, she states that she’s particularly the investment in public education. After years of underfunding, the state legislature has made significant strides toward leveling the playing field for underfunded schools, many in historically marginalized communities. Speaker McClinton highlighted the win for the William Penn School District, which had been involved in the school funding lawsuit for over a decade, finally seeing increased investment in its schools. McClinton also emphasized initiatives aimed at delivering financial relief to constituents, such as providing rebate checks to those previously excluded from receiving assistance.

Legislative Priorities: Public Education, Tax Reform, and Small Business Growth

In McClinton’s next term, her legislative priorities remain focused on public education, specifically continuing to funnel state dollars into underfunded districts. In the Speaker’s view, education is the gateway to long-term economic prosperity, not just for individual students, but for entire communities. 

In addition to education, the Speaker also plans to push for tax reforms that benefit the working class and to provide continued support for small businesses—critical drivers of local job creation. Her focus on strengthening Pennsylvania’s economic foundation is clear, and her commitment to fostering a thriving business environment in both urban and rural areas underscores the breadth of her vision.

Bipartisan Cooperation: Navigating a Divided Legislature

With a slim majority in the House and a Republican-controlled state Senate, cooperation across party lines will be key to passing meaningful legislation. While there are sure to be disagreements, McClinton expressed her willingness to work with Senate Republicans to ensure Pennsylvania’s progress on critical issues like public education, affordable housing, and infrastructure. 

Protecting Pennsylvanians: Standing Strong Against Harmful Policies

A central theme of McClinton’s leadership has been protecting vulnerable citizens from harmful policies, especially those coming from the federal government. With a Republican majority in Congress, the Democratic caucus has worked to prevent these policies from reaching Governor Shapiro’s desk. Speaker McClinton is particularly focused on preserving access to affordable healthcare and protecting workers' rights, making sure that Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations are shielded from the impact of extreme right-wing federal policies.

Pennsylvania’s Role in National Policy and Collaboration with the Biden Administration

McClinton is optimistic about Pennsylvania’s role in shaping national policy moving forward, especially as the state works to address issues like affordable housing and infrastructure. She believes Pennsylvania has the potential to be a leader in advocating for these issues, and she is looking to strengthen relationships with federal leaders to ensure the state’s priorities are met. 

Preparing for 2026: Infrastructure as a Priority

As Pennsylvania looks ahead to the national spotlight in 2026, McClinton stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure, particularly public transportation. She emphasized the need for significant improvements to SEPTA to ensure that it can handle the demands of the region in the coming years. With major events on the horizon, Pennsylvania must be ready to accommodate an influx of visitors, and that starts with a reliable, well-funded transit system. McClinton is determined to ensure that Pennsylvania’s infrastructure is ready for 2026, and that it continues to grow and evolve to meet future needs.

Leadership: Staying Authentic and Leading with Purpose

McClinton reflected on her leadership style, noting that it has remained consistent throughout her political career. Her approach is rooted in authenticity and a deep commitment to her community. She credited much of her leadership philosophy to her background in ministry, where she learned the importance of communication and galvanizing others. As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, McClinton recognizes the weight of her role but is determined to remain true to her values and continue serving her constituents with integrity and passion.

Engaging Youth: The Importance of Civic Engagement

One of the key takeaways from McClinton’s conversation was her commitment to engaging young people in politics. As part of her outreach efforts, she regularly visits high schools in her district, holding town halls to discuss the importance of voting and getting involved in the political process. McClinton believes that encouraging young people to think critically about politics and their role in shaping the future is essential for fostering the next generation of leaders. Her dedication to meeting youth where they are and providing opportunities for them to engage is a testament to her belief in the power of civic participation.

Advocacy: A Call to Action

At the conclusion of the conversation, McClinton issued a call to action for those in the advocacy space. She encouraged everyone to continue pushing for change, making their voices heard, and working together to create progress in Pennsylvania. While the road ahead may be challenging, McClinton reminded her audience that collective action is essential for success, and every victory—big or small—paves the way for further achievements.

Conclusion

Speaker Joanna McClinton remains committed to the work ahead, and her leadership continues to drive Pennsylvania toward a more equitable future. From securing investments in public education to advocating for bipartisan collaboration, McClinton is focused on ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a leader in addressing the state’s most pressing issues. As the state prepares for the future, McClinton’s dedication to her community and her constituents is unwavering. With a clear vision for progress, she’s ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.