California lawmaker Buffy Wicks brings newborn to assembly floor after being denied a proxy vote

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/09/01/buffy-wicks-california-lawmaker-brings-baby-floor-denied-proxy-vote/5681323002/

WASHINGTON – California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is being criticized online after denying proxy voting implemented by coronavirus concerns to a state lawmaker who recently gave birth.

That lawmaker, Buffy Wicks, a Democrat, then brought her newborn baby to the Assembly floor, saying she will "*always show up" to debate on issues, such as housing.

Wicks gave birth in late July and traveled with her newborn to Sacramento for the final day of the session. Legislation was debated until midnight.

Proxy voting allows members unable to come to the floor during the coronavirus pandemic to designate another lawmaker as their "proxy" and cast floor votes on their behalf.

Wicks, a former staffer for President Barack Obama, had been told that giving birth did not qualify her as high risk for COVID-19, according to POLITCO.

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