WILLIAMS APPLAUDS HOUSE ACTION ON BREASTFEEDING BILL

 HARRISBURG, JAN. 16 – State Sen. Connie Williams called Tuesday's vote by the House Children and Youth Committee on a bill that would protect women's ability to breastfeed in the workplace a positive continuation of efforts to support and protect women who choose to breastfeed their babies.

 "Last year, mothers had a victory in seeing their freedom to breastfeed in public protected. Protecting those freedoms for women who return to work after having a baby is the next – and equally important – step," Williams said.

 "More needs to be done, especially when it comes to accommodations in the workplace. Not every new mom has a private office where she can discreetly express her milk during the work day. If we are going to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding and make it a real choice for all new moms, every employer must understand the importance of offering new moms the choice to express milk or nurse during regular breaks and lunch periods."

 House Children and Youth Committee members unanimously voted to report H.B. 1073 out of committee, which positions it for consideration by the House. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Timothy Solobay, is identical to Williams' bill, S.B. 35. The bills would ensure that women are not discriminated against in the workplace for expressing milk or nursing on their lunch hours or breaks.

 Williams said that enactment of this legislation would support and protect a woman's ability to care for her baby at work, would encourage healthier children, lessen the number of sick days a new mom will likely take, and build a new level of dedication to the job.

 "A woman should not be forced to choose between having to earn a living or providing the best nutritional care to her baby," Williams said. "Tuesday's House committee action and the ongoing efforts of my colleague Rep. Solobay are to be applauded for being the first step in protecting this freedom for working mothers."