In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, as the Speaker reflects on her “lady of firsts” track record in the legislature. In 2008, McClinton became the first woman and African American to be elected as House Democratic Caucus Chair, followed by becoming the first woman elected as the House Democratic Leader in the institution’s 244-year history. In 2023, McClinton was elected as the first woman to serve as Speaker in the nation’s oldest legislature. Debbie and Speaker McClinton talk about her responsibilities as Speaker, the political landscape in Pennsylvania, the importance of protecting voting rights, and what leading a swing state during an election year is like. They also dig into her policy priorities, including equitable education funding, reproductive rights and healthcare, and the importance of passing the CROWN Act in PA. Tune in to learn what Speaker McClinton thinks are the top issues for Pennsylvania voters and what will influence their decisions this November. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:04] Introducing today’s guest, Speaker Joanna McClinton.

• [03:29] Joanna shares her journey from law to politics.

• [07:04] What Joanna thinks goes into electing government leaders.

• [09:03] The responsibilities of the Speaker of the House on the day-to-day.

• [10:39] Why voting rights are so important to Joanna.

• [12:43] The problem Pennsylvania is facing surrounding elections.

• [15:51] Joanna’s thoughts on ‘making the governor work better’.

• [18:59] The CROWN Act, what it does, and where it is in the legislative process.

• [22:20] How she is working to change the education legislature in Pennsylvania.

• [25:10] What reproductive care looks like in Pennsylvania since Roe v. Wade.

• [29:57] How ‘choice’ is going to affect the next election in Joanna’s opinion.

• [32:57] The issues that matter most to people in Joanna’s state.