WILLIAMS GIVES KUDOS TO NEIGHBORING STATE
ASKS PENNSYLVANIA TO BE NEXT

HARRISBURG, SEPT.  14 -- State Sen. Connie Williams applauded the New York State Legislature and Governor for enacting a new law to protect nursing mothers' ability to work and continue nursing.

Governor Eliot Spitzer recently signed into law legislation that requires employers to make reasonable efforts to provide private space for women to express milk or nurse and to offer uncompensated time for a period of up to three years following the birth of a child.

"New York state has taken a positive step for working women and their babies," Williams said. "This should be the next logical step for Pennsylvania, as well."

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania passed a law to protect a woman's freedom to breastfeed in public places. The legislation (S.B. 34, which became Act 28 of 2007) was part of a three-bill package that Williams offered to support nursing mothers. Senate Bill 35 would ensure women are not discriminated against in the workplace for expressing milk or nursing on their lunch hour or breaks. Senate Bill 36 would provide tax credits to businesses that make accommodations for women to breastfeed.

"I am delighted with Act 28 of 2007, but there is more that needs to be done, especially when it comes to accommodations in the workplace," Williams said. "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 workplace – whether it is an office with open cubicles, a restaurant or a factory – must provide accommodations that offer privacy for expressing milk or nursing."

In speaking about the New York legislation, one assemblywoman was quoted as saying the new law was a "major victory" for not only New York families, but also for businesses.

"It is a victory for both families and businesses. If we support and protect a woman's ability to care for her baby at work, we 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," Williams said. "A woman should not be forced to choose between having to earn a living or providing the best nutritional care to her baby.

"The legislature in New York unanimously voted for a bill supporting working mothers and their babies. Let's hope that my colleagues in Pennsylvania see the wisdom in this legislation and agree to move my legislation this fall."