New Mother Forced to Vote on Assembly Floor Rather Than Remotely

BUFFY WICKS (D-Oakland) holds her newborn in the Assembly past 11:30 p.m. this past Monday. Speaker Anthony Rendon denied her request to vote remotely. 

BY BRIAN HEWS • September 2, 2020

Lawmakers were incensed Tuesday that Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) was forced to bring her newborn on the floor of the state Assembly after her request to vote remotely was denied.

Wicks gave birth to her daughter on July 26 and was on maternity leave.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) said maternity leave was not considered a high-risk category, a decision that incensed fellow Democrats who took to social media to express their outrage.

“Barbaric,  people are so clueless and unwilling to adapt,” state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) said Tuesday.

A picture and video of Wicks with her newborn drew praise for the new mom, while bashing Rendon,  even Hillary Clinton commented on the situation.

Ironically the bill Wicks voted on would provide millions of employees who work for smaller businesses 12 weeks of job protections while taking family leave.

“It was beyond ironic that we are passing legislation that helps moms up and down the state and we have a mom who is there with a 1-month-old,” said state Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino).

Rendon tried to smooth his egregious mandate in a statement Tuesday night, I want to make a full apology to Assemblymember Wicks, my intention was never to be inconsiderate toward her, her role as a legislator, or her role as a mother. Inclusivity and electing more women in politics are core elements of our Democratic values. Nevertheless, I failed to make sure our process took into account the unique needs of our members. The Assembly needs to do better. I commit to doing better.”

Maria Estrada, who is challenging Rendon in the November election, told HMG-CN, “I was saddened and angry to hear Speaker Anthony Rendon failed to show basic consideration and common sense by not allowing Asm Buffy Wicks to have a proxy vote on her behalf. When a mother unnecessarily has to put herself and her newborn child at risk during a global pandemic,  we should all take pause and demand better from our representatives. The Speaker’s lack of empathy is why we do not have healthcare in California, why no meaningful legislation has been written or passed on his watch that would help mothers, children and families who need at the very least empathy from their elected officials. “

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or…

(50285)

$39.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

3M Super 77 Multi-Surface Spray Adhesive, 14.1 oz., Low VOC, Quick Bond, Fast Drying, Clear Finish for Foil, Foam, Paper, Metal, Plastic, Fabric, and Cardboard (77-NAT)

(35)

$13.28 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera(s) with HD video, color night view, motion detection, two-way…

(8851)

$19.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30, 5 Quart

(45264)

$24.97 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release),…

(10873)

$54.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)

(15585)

$177.50 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking Grilling Air Fryer…

(74102)

$16.98 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable…

(11851)

$84.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Stainless, Medium

(8853)

$84.00 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto…

(16411)

$181.50 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)