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* Video of State Rep. Litesa Wallace’s floor speech last week defending the state’s child care assistance program has gone truly viral, with over 2.7 million views on Facebook and more than 129,000 shares.
…Adding… Rep. Wallace’s speech followed Rep. Ives’ address…
Thanks to a commenter for the linky.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:38 pm
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If that doesn’t put some people on notice, there’s no helping them.
Comment by CrookCounty60827 Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:47 pm
Like watching the “big game,” it was absolutely fantastic seeing it live. I had to restrain myself from cheering her on out loud at work.
Comment by Sick & Tired Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:48 pm
I am so impressed with Rep. Wallace and so many of her newer colleagues. Reps. Ammons, Conroy, Kifowit, Christian Mitchell and many others have all given similar passionate, moving and thought-provoking speeches this year. This is, yet, another example.
Comment by Hyperbolic Chamber Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:51 pm
A powerful speech. I think she hit a home run.
Comment by Stones Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Take note Dunkin, this is taking a stand for something really looks like.
Comment by Musings Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 12:58 pm
What I wouldn’t have given to see what Sandack was doing when she was speaking.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:00 pm
-Hyperbolic Chamber - I was going to say the exact same thing. We’re so fortunate to have her representing Rockford. I hope that she will have a long career in public service.
Comment by D. Schwarz Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:00 pm
As a contrast does anyone has Rep Jeanne Ives speach on this matter that happened just before that.
Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:00 pm
here it is
https://youtu.be/-rIJh38r1iA
Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:03 pm
I think she summed it up very well. It amazes me that people do not understand how this particular program will ultimately HELP get people off of assistance by giving them an opportunity to work or engage in higher learning. We get some representatives giving ridiculous speeches about some of these women not being worthy of assistance and attempting to create all kinds of silly barriers to receiving assistance. When a person opposes a program like this I can only conclude that they simply do not care. I think anybody that voted to allow these rules to take affect should be ashamed of themselves. If I were them I wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:04 pm
There are a number of passionate, committed legislators in both houses. This is proof that some people do indeed run for office because of their convictions and desire to help others. I hope seeing speeches like this can temper the cynicism about our elected officials.
Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:04 pm
2.7 million — is that more or fewer people that read the Chicago Tribune editorial page, Rich?
Comment by Juvenal Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:05 pm
CrookCounty60827 @ 12:47 pm:
**If that doesn’t put some people on notice, there’s no helping them.**
Apparently there is no helping them because the people she was addressing all voted no or present. very sad
Comment by TBone Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:09 pm
Wow, way to go Jeanne Ives, nearly 3,300 views.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:13 pm
I agree a very powerful speech and well done but if the Dems would negotiate with the Gov on some of his issues this would have passed very easily. I agree this bill should have passed on it own merits but negotiations have to happen or programs that should be funded are going to be hurt. Tough lesson for a passionate and very talented freshman Rep.
Comment by cb Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:14 pm
Everyone needs to watch the Ives speech. A real low point, but par for the course for the Rauner Era. He’s just a more respectable version of her vitriol. He’s smarter about it.
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:16 pm
I, too, have been increasingly impressed with Rep. Wallace this (never-ending) session. Good on her. And good for her constituents in having her representation and her voice.
Comment by Linus Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:17 pm
Rep. Ives is a piece of work. Just when you think she can’t get any more goofy, she proves you wrong. If I were a Republican I would cringe every time the woman got up to speak. She is not at all helpful.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:18 pm
==if the Dems would negotiate==
Enough of this “if this side or that side would negotiate” nonsense. NEITHER SIDE IS IN THE MOOD TO NEGOTIATE. Can we please just all concede that fact and stop with the ridiculous claims that one side or the other is to blame.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:19 pm
Rep. Ives speech is diffidently the low point of the session for me, that is saying something with a session full of low points.
Comment by cb Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:21 pm
I thought Rep. Ives heartfelt concern was moving, and her logic just simply brilliant.
By shutting down the program, parents will no longer have to worry if there will be money to fund it.
“I didn’t want to do it, Danny…. I felt I owed it to them..”
Just a reminder — this program was a major GOP victory in welfare reform, back in the day.
But that was a different GOP.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:23 pm
10 years or so ago, I used to ride the Metra commuter train to and from work. One of the more interesting things was that Wheaton-when the police found a homeless person-they gave him a couple of dollars and put him onto the train thereby getting the problem out of their Christian, high moral, we have no problems town. I saw it happen more than once.
That seems to be the same mindset that Ms Ives has. It’s some other person’s problem-some other town’s problem and we shouldn’t have to deal with it.
She needs to get out of her ‘tony’ hometown and visit the poorer areas-even in her own district and stop thinking everyone has a life like hers.
Disclaimer: I live in her district
Comment by train111 Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:23 pm
Wow, Rep. Ives is out of line - whose the daddy? Really? I can’t say I’m all that surprised considering her lily white Wheaton district, but she’s about as ignorant as you can get.
Some may recall she had some equally useless and ignorant things to say during the SB1229 debate.
Comment by Politix Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:23 pm
Please, Rep. Ives, tell me more about how Atlas Shrugged has changed your life.
Comment by AC Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:27 pm
Demoralized +1
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:27 pm
Rep. Wallace makes me proud to be from Rockford.
Comment by Elizabeth Austin Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:31 pm
I have never spoken to rep Ives directly. I know others that have discussed education issues with her and their impresion is that she just does not understand. That has not stopped her and many others from pontificating without understanding.
Her speech only reinforces the clueless/sheltered suburbanite stereotype
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:31 pm
“I agree a very powerful speech and well done but if the Dems would negotiate with the Gov on some of his issues this would have passed very easily. I agree this bill should have passed on it own merits but negotiations have to happen or programs that should be funded are going to be hurt.”
So we need to teach our representatives to give in to extortion or the “most vulnerable” in our society will be punished? I am not an economist but this vote was penny wise dollar foolish and will cost the state much more money than the program. Now we will have unemployed daycare workers (sucking up IDES money), who may also need subsidies for housing, heat and food. Not to mention the parents that will lose their jobs b/c they have no daycare (no unemployment for them they “voluntarily” quit to take care of their kids), but they will need more assistance along the same lines. Oh and now, none of them pay taxes. Brilliant.
Comment by burbanite Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:32 pm
Proud to have Litesa Wallace as my representative. Appalled that this vote failed.
Comment by Rockford's Finest Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:34 pm
I listed to the debate last week on the stream. Rep. Ives’ comments were truly cringe-inducing. It is disappointing to think that she would believe such nonsense, let alone take to the floor and make it part of the permanent record. (I could imagine her neighboring legislators moving slowly away from her as she spoke.)
On the other hand, Rep. Wallace gives me hope. If folks would actually LISTEN to the debate and vote based on what they hear and know about the subject, Rep. Dunkin’s presence or absence would be irrelevant.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:37 pm
Sometimes the most entertaining part of watching video of floor speeches is watching the facial expressions and body language of the members and staff. Jeannie Ives gave a truly cringe-worthy speech. In contract, Wallace hit it out of the park without ever getting shrill or defensive. Wow.
Comment by Mio Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Is the paternity test provision something the whole caucus supports? I’ve never heard that one. Pretty shocking even compared to silly national politics
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:42 pm
==if the Dems would negotiate with the Gov on some of his (anti worker) issues this would have passed very easily. I agree this bill should have passed on it’s own merits but negotiations have to happen or (the hostages’) programs are going to be hurt.==
Fixed it.
Comment by Enviro Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:45 pm
At least we don’t have to worry about Rep. Ives’ heart being cut in the next round of budget negotiations (whenever those might be).
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 1:56 pm
More than a few people I have spoken to in the GA have said they have no respect for Ives and find her to be over the top all the time.
Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:14 pm
I’m going to be honest, those numbers seem artificially inflated… considering how low the likes are compared to the shares…
Just sayin’
Comment by PravdaOnThePrairie Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:18 pm
‘This benefit should be reserved for those that truly, truly need it.’
Translation: This benefit should be reserved for someone that was raised by a pack of wolves, gave birth to a child by immaculate conception, was working to put their child through divinity school because the father was God knows where.
Comment by Tommydanger Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:23 pm
There are far more good causes than money. Illinois is flat broke with enormous debt and tough decisions have to be made. If every legislator “fights” for this or that, it doesn’t make sense.
I think at a minimum it makes sense to try to reduce the abuse of state funding even if it riles some people and even if they hurl accusations of racism.
Comment by Rhino Slider Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:24 pm
‘This benefit should be reserved for those that truly, truly need it.’
That was the most galling line. Don’t you think kids without dads are among the most truly needy?
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:25 pm
Great speech by Rep. Wallace.
Here is what bugs me: Many of those who are against social services programs for the poor and middle class don’t utter a peep in protest when billions if not trillions are spent in needless wars that enrich people who are already wealthy, or are given out in tax breaks to very wealthy corporations and people.
Imagine if you were somebody who wanted to start a war under false pretenses to get you and/or your associates rich, and countless numbers of people supported you and were willing to politically rip out the eyes of your opponents. Pretty sweet, huh?
I understand that some people don’t want their tax dollars spent in certain ways. We will and should have that debate until the end of time. I really dislike the hypocrisy, though.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:27 pm
I am a stay at home mom and just thinking about child care gives me the chills. I am the mom who cried when our kids went back to school, and is the first person to pick them up. We live on one not a very large income and we drive one car. I still have a flip phone and grocery shop on $400 a month for 4. All im saying is if I can do it so can the families that are all upset because they dont get child care.
Comment by Deeda Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:29 pm
=I think at a minimum it makes sense to try to reduce the abuse of state funding even if it riles some people and even if they hurl accusations of racism.=
How about we start with ending corporate welfare? Unfortunately I don’t think the Governor is interested in starting there as a part of his turnaround agenda.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:31 pm
Pravda, you’re only seeing the likes for the person who originally posted the video, you won’t see the likes for any of the shares. The views and likes aren’t connected. You can go and verify each of those 133,000 shares. It’s not hard to see how a video post on any of our timelines could get 10, 20 views from your friends.
Comment by intertube Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:33 pm
Rhino, do you detect some sort of comprehensive plan for fiscal responsibility on the part of the administration? The FY16 deficit is out of control.
Tnis program is a one-off for some reason. It speaks directly to priorities and values.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:36 pm
I’m with JS Mill. You want to end welfare start at the top. That extra money would probably fill a lot of holes. There is no trickle down and there never will be.
Comment by Tha missin g Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:37 pm
Thank God Deeda you have that one not very large income to help support the family while you are a stay at home mom.
Not everyone has that other person in the house to generate an income while the other person stays home to care for the child.
Comment by Tommydanger Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:38 pm
Deeda, it’s wonderful you can afford to be a stay-at-home mom and make ends meet with a frugal budget.
I’m sure many people would take that option if it was economically feasible for them. For single parents, childcare is a necessity. No amount of clever budgeting (which single parents do plenty of) can make up the lack of that single income.
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:41 pm
Absolutely fantastic. Caring about people. Providing personal experience to burst the bogus mythology. It was wonderful - kind of like the anti-Ken Dunkin version of a state rep.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:42 pm
News flash for some: finding affordable, decent child-care in two-earner households is no walk in the park, either.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:45 pm
==it makes sense to try to reduce the abuse of state funding even if it riles some people==
The Representative’s comments had nothing to do with that. It was a social commentary. And it was an offensive commentary at that.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:46 pm
I’m questioning the numbers. Her speeches on YouTube have less than 100 hits.
Comment by OldIllini Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:47 pm
“I am the mom who cried when our kids went back to school, and is the first person to pick them up.”
Congratulations. You are privileged. And unclear on the concept.
Just…no
Comment by Politix Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:49 pm
== it makes sense to try to reduce the abuse of state funding even if it riles some people==
I would also point out that the Representative made herself look even more silly when she said that 50% of the people on Medicaid were there fraudulently. If nobody else will do it I’ll call a big, giant BS on that statement. Silly. It’s the nicest word I can think of to describe her.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:50 pm
Word - amen to that. Preschool and after care programs run us about $600 month - and that is just for part time. To put that in perspective, that would be a payment for a good used car and car insurance for two vehicles. Had both of my kids been in preschool at the same time, the cost would have been $1,200 or more. Which, of course, is our entire monthly mortgage payment our combined utility costs.
I think reforms and spending curbs are necessary, but there are better ways to go about doing so than screaming on the House floor and turning 50 Shades of Red.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:51 pm
Politix - no reason to be rude. Nothing about Deeda’s post screamed “privilege”.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:55 pm
===I’m questioning the numbers===
Take it up with Facebook.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:55 pm
Another head scratcher by Rep. Ives. I’ve worked in higher ed here for almost 30 years, and the first time I met Ives she railed against the “higher education subsidy” from the state of Illinois. Both she, and I believe her son, attended West Point, but she genuinely appeared to be oblivious what a tremendously good “subsidized” deal her family was afforded. She went through college, but college didn’t go through her.
Comment by Columbo Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 2:56 pm
“the Representative made herself look even more silly when she said that 50% of the people on Medicaid were there fraudulently”
I used to be more conservative on welfare issues. Then I thought about the people who support tax dollars being used to enrich the wealthy and fight needless wars but are enraged when tax dollars go to help poor, hungry kids and poor people who need medical assistance. That changed everything for me.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:01 pm
Old Illini, the two don’t have anything to do with one another. That’s what makes a video “viral.”
Again, you can go see the individuals (133,780) who have shared this. It shows their names and Facebook pages. Many of us have hundreds of Facebook friends, so it is easily logical that 20 people or more may watch a video their friend shares. They may even share it with more friends. Just because you don’t understand the media platform isn’t an excuse to dismiss it.
Comment by intertube Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:08 pm
“Politix - no reason to be rude. Nothing about Deeda’s post screamed “privilege”.”
Actually, i’m pretty sure that’s textbook “privilege.” If I can overcome my struggles, then everybody else can overcome theirs, even if they’re far greater, or otherwise completely different
Comment by Johnny Pyle Driver Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:11 pm
Sad that Jeanne Ives probably won’t see any opposition in the next election cycle. To oppose
something as basic as childcare and go unchallenged? Wish I was qualified, but Representative Wallace I thank you for your eloquence and your heart.
Comment by Illinoisvoter Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:11 pm
Rep. Ives is not about compassion, but about protecting Illinois from the citizens that reside in her borders.
Rep. Ives believes the rabble that make up Illinois are mostly trying to soak the “good” people, and the “good” people need to believe that if the state graciously decides those are worthy of that oh so special help, and deny those who Rep. Ives feels just aren’t deserving.
“Wow, Ives lacks compassion.” - Donna Arduin. (Snark)
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:12 pm
good speechifying.
Comment by John A Logan Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:16 pm
==but please know that what you are doing is setting our children up for failure and you are ultimately setting our economy up for failure and you are ultimately stating that you do not care about working families.==
This is the same Litesa Wallace who voted against the bipartisan budget fix in March? The bipartisan deal that saved the subsidized child care program from running out of money?
==The deal frees up $226 million for a subsidized child care program, $117 million to meet payroll at Illinois prisons and $27 million for mental health service grants.==
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:18 pm
===It was wonderful - kind of like the anti-Ken Dunkin version of a state rep.===
Zactly. I wonder if Dunkin has seen this video yet. It might help him understand the mood of many of his colleagues when he returns. There was a heck of a lot more at stake last week than the AFSCME arbitration bill.
Is cutting access to child care one of the things Dunkin wants to work together on with Governor Rauner?
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:19 pm
Team Sleep - To quote Cory Booker, “Privilege is when you think something is not a problem because it’s not a problem to you personally.” So yes, Deeda, who gets to stay at home because she has a working partner, and who apparently fails to realize that not every mother has an income-producing partner in her life, is the definition of privilege.
Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:26 pm
I’m not gonna listen to Senator Booker’s “take” on privilege. He’s one of the last people I want to listen to on pretty much, well, anything.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:43 pm
FKA - whoa! Great catch. Rep. Wallace voted against both HBs 317 & 318.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:55 pm
Rep. Wallace,
Very well said. Nicely done.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:57 pm
Deeda - I’m impressed you have a flip phone, kids, and such a tight budget, and still afford internet and have time to comment on Cap Fax. You should start one of those blogs on how to budget.
Comment by hakuna matata Friday, Sep 11, 15 @ 3:58 pm