Meet Patti
“From the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”
Patti Vasquez has deep roots in our community; she is connected to the people who live and work here. Her passion for tackling issues impacting healthcare, education and families is boundless. She is a tireless champion for the most vulnerable in our community, including those with special needs, the elderly, and those facing serious medical challenges. As a lifelong Chicagoan growing up in a union family, Patti attended our neighborhood’s Chicago Public Schools and went on to become a union member, small business owner and CPS parent.
Patti founded the medical consulting company “With Kind Words,” and formerly hosted “The Patti Vasquez Show” on Chicago’s WGN Radio, and became an international performer.
In 2014, Patti created a company called “With Kind Words” in which she provides consultation for healthcare providers. She urges them to consider the emotional readiness of every member of the team, from the health professionals to the caretakers, as they strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, helping them recognize how they can incorporate compassionate communication and inspire them to do it well.
Patti leveraged the platform her radio show offered to help others; she made broad and deep connections with legislators and state leadership to present issues that affect Illinois families. When Governor Rauner announced cuts to vital services across the state, Patti organized a group of parents to attend hearings in Springfield to make sure their voices were heard. Her efforts have been rewarded with the passage of several pieces of legislation including:
• the expansion of funding for Applied Behavioral Analysis in the State Budget
• the elimination of banking fees applied to child support payments
• the addition of life-saving allergy training in the food service industry.
Patti also supported the public/private partnership between the Chicago Blackhawks’ Hockey and the Chicago Public Schools to build a custom designed therapeutic playground for Beard Special Needs School. She has helped raise millions of dollars hosting programs that tie local establishments with community charities to foster outreach including: The Epilepsy Foundation, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, The Danny Did Foundation, JDRF, American Lung Association, Equestrian Connection, Almost Home Kids, SkyArt, ChildServ, and The Silver Lining Foundation. Patti also moderated the Northwest Side Mayoral Candidates debate in 2018.
Patti was born and raised in Chicago and is an internationally performing comedian. Patti was invited to join WGN Radio, and quickly claimed the number 1 spot for late night talk in Chicago. As a host, she promoted Northwest side businesses, charitable organizations, and community events. She made her show a platform for creating dialog and sharing vital information concerning local and state policy.
She has appeared as a commentator on WGN- TV Morning News and Fox Good Day Chicago. She also served as a fill-in host for WCPT and WCIU’s You & Me in the Morning. She has appeared on several television shows including Comedy.Tv, The Very Funny Show, and Comics Unleashed. She was also featured in several episodes of “Chicago Fire.” The Illinois Broadcaster’s Association named her Best Radio Personality of 2015 for the Chicago Market. Patti was recently honored by the National Museum of Mexican Art and The University Of Illinois for her contributions to art and advocacy work.
Patti is a published historian, graduating from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a degree in History. She did graduate work in the history program at Northwestern University, and in the Theater department at the University of Illinois- Chicago. Patti also worked as a Research Consultant for the Financial Relations Board, conducting investment analysis and outreach on behalf of clients.
Patti has two boys: Griffin, who is a gifted student, kind hearted and the best big brother to Declan. Declan is differently gifted, loving, charming and was born with a neurological abnormality called Corpus Callosum Disorder. Although he is missing a small part of his brain, Declan has made the world a much bigger place for his family and everyone lucky enough to know him. Both boys have benefited from Illinois’ programs that enrich their lives.
Patti lives with her husband Steve and their two boys in the two-flat they share with her mother, Dora, just blocks from where Patti grew up.
Issues
“In representing the 19th district, I will prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable communities: making sure our children, the elderly, and neighbors with disabilities have access to the services they need.”
Healthcare
All Illinoisans deserve affordable, quality healthcare. Too many of our neighbors are faced with the impossible choice between medicine and rent or face losing everything if they become sick. Ensuring equitable access to all forms of healthcare, especially among the most vulnerable will be a priority. Illinois must remain a leader on access to health care, especially reproductive.
Disabilities
Illinois has an appalling record on supporting those with disabilities, ranked 44th in the country according to a recent study. Disability services in our state have been decimated over the last decade, reaching a crisis point where programs and service providers went unfunded. Now we must begin to rebuild and ensure that those with disabilities are guaranteed the help they need, not putting their livelihood in the hands of a lottery.
Public Safety
We must support our first responders with the resources they need to protect us and a guarantee that their futures are protected too. For those that wear the vest and swing the axe, we need to keep our promises on pensions. Moreover, it’s time to move forward on common sense gun safety legislation to create a safer community for all.
Education
As a CPS graduate and mother of two CPS students, I understand the value of a quality public education. Improving education starts with valuing teachers and the important work they do. We must ensure that schools are fully-staffed and teachers have the resources they need to educate our students.
19th District
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Patricia D. Bonnin, ‘Patti Vasquez,’ Illinois House 19th District Democratic candidate profile – Chicago Sun-Times, Jan 22, 2020
Why Patti Vasquez Wants a State Senate Seat – Chicago Magazine, Published June 28, 2019
http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/July-2019/Why-Patti-Vasquez-Wants-a-State-Senate-Seat/
‘You can have an impact’: Patti Vasquez talks about Gov. Rauner’s decision to restore Good Friday budget cuts – WGN Radio, Posted April 30, 2015
Candidate for IL House: Gacy Killed My Brother – Chicago Magazine, Published Dec. 10, 2019
http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/December-2019/Patti-Vasquez-John-Wayne-Gacy-Michael-Bonnin/
Patti Vasquez brings representation onstage and behind the mic - Cinema Femme, Jun 11, 2019
https://cinemafemme.com/2019/06/11/patti-vasquez-brings-representation-onstage-and-behind-the-mic/
Audio
Patti Vasquez Show 05.30.19 | LIVE from Springfield IL! – WGN Radio, May 30, 2019
Listen in as Patti and Scott Stantis chat with two Republican party representatives and two Democratic party representatives about all things happening down in our state’s capital.
Representative Mark Batinick, Representative Rob Martwick, Representative Stephanie Kifowit, and Representative John Cabello.
https://wgnradio.com/2019/05/31/patti-vasquez-show-05-30-19-live-from-springfield-il/
Patti Vasquez Show 05.31.19 | LIVE from Springfield IL Day Two! ! – WGN Radio, May 31, 2019
Listen in as Patti and Scott Stantis chat with Republican and Democratic members of the Illinois General Assembly and Senate about all things happening down in our state’s capital.
Representative Will Guzzardi, Senator Heather Steans, Representative Rob Martwick, Representative Sara Feighenholtz and Representative John Cabello.
https://wgnradio.com/2019/06/01/patti-vasquez-show-05-31-19-live-from-springfield-il-day-two/
Patti Vasquez Show 02.03.17 Full Show – Representatives Steve Anderson and Anna Moller, along with Elliott Serrano and the Return of Semper Film!
“Never” – By Patti Vasquez, May 8, 2015
Patti reads an essay she wrote about fight to restore special needs funding down state.
https://wgnradio.com/2015/05/08/never-by-patti-vasquez/
“Declan Kisses” | by Patti Vasquez - May 16, 2017