Patti Vasquez talks to Daniel Squadron, president and co-founder of Future Now and author of “The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union” (2026). They discuss the critical importance of state-level governance in addressing systemic issues like health care, labor rights, and economic inequality.

Daniel Squadron's Background
- Squadron grew up in New York City in a family deeply committed to public service and civil rights.
- His father was a lawyer who participated in the 1963 March on Washington, while his mother worked with the ACLU and participated in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer.
- Squadron emphasizes the influence of historical figures like Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his worldview regarding universalism and equality.

The Power of State Government
- Squadron argues that state governments have a more direct impact on citizens' lives than the federal government in Washington, D.C.
- He left his position in the New York State Senate to focus on political shifts occurring across the other 49 states.
- The discussion highlights how state-level decisions determine critical outcomes for residents, such as Medicaid expansion and minimum wage levels.

Labor and Economic Stability
- The conversation explores how organized labor provides benefits like predictable scheduling, paid leave, and retirement security through negotiation.
- Squadron notes that even when private-sector union membership is low, these negotiations significantly shape the broader labor market and public policy.
- He argues that full-time work should provide a path to a reasonable life, including stable housing and the ability to support a family.

Healthcare Disparities by State
- Squadron compares health care access in Texas, where Medicaid was not expanded, to states like Colorado or Illinois, where it was expanded.
- He illustrates how state-level decisions impact families' ability to afford medical care during critical moments like childbirth or illness.

Media Influence and Civic Values
- Patti and Daniel discuss how conservative media consolidation has created an imbalance between progressive and conservative voices in radio broadcasting.
- Squadron suggests that Democrats should focus more on shared American values rather than just debating specific policies or partisan grievances.
- He advocates for grounding political movements in the "promissory note" of equality found in the Declaration of Independence to reach a wider audience.

Mobilizing Through Local Action
- Patti shares her personal motivation for entering politics, driven by advocating for social services for her son who has a rare genetic disorder.
- Squadron recommends three ways for citizens to engage: supporting The States Project, organizing at state capitals, or running for local office themselves.
- The dialogue concludes with an emphasis on moving from feelings of powerlessness toward active participation within state legislatures to protect democracy.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

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Patti Vasquez talks to Daniel Squadron, president and co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://futurenow.org/">Future Now</a> and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/811851/the-fourth-branch-by-daniel-squadron/">The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union</a>&rdquo; (2026). They&nbsp;discuss the critical importance of state-level governance in addressing systemic issues like health care, labor rights, and economic inequality.
Daniel Squadron's Background - Squadron grew up in New York City in a family deeply committed to public service and civil rights. - His father was a lawyer who participated in the 1963 March on Washington, while his mother worked with the ACLU and participated in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer. - Squadron emphasizes the influence of historical figures like Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his worldview regarding universalism and equality. The Power of State Government - Squadron argues that state governments have a more direct impact on citizens' lives than the federal government in Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;He left his position in the New York State Senate to focus on political shifts occurring across the other 49 states. - The discussion highlights how state-level decisions determine critical outcomes for residents, such as Medicaid expansion and minimum wage levels. Labor and Economic Stability - The conversation explores how organized labor provides benefits like predictable scheduling, paid leave, and retirement security through negotiation. - Squadron notes that even when private-sector union membership is low, these negotiations significantly shape the broader labor market and public policy. - He argues that full-time work should provide a path to a reasonable life, including stable housing and the ability to support a family. Healthcare Disparities by State - Squadron compares health care access in Texas, where Medicaid was not expanded, to states like Colorado or Illinois, where it was expanded. - He illustrates how state-level decisions impact families' ability to afford medical care during critical moments like childbirth or illness. Media Influence and Civic Values - Patti and Daniel discuss how conservative media consolidation has created an imbalance between progressive and conservative voices in radio broadcasting. - Squadron suggests that Democrats should focus more on shared American values rather than just debating specific policies or partisan grievances. - He advocates for grounding political movements in the "promissory note" of equality found in the Declaration of Independence to reach a wider audience. Mobilizing Through Local Action - Patti shares her personal motivation for entering politics, driven by advocating for social services for her son who has a rare genetic disorder. - Squadron recommends three ways for citizens to engage: supporting <a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project</a>, organizing at state capitals, or running for local office themselves. - The dialogue concludes with an emphasis on moving from feelings of powerlessness toward active participation within state legislatures to protect democracy.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.

For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.
For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;