Thursday, May 16, 2013

ACTION ALERT: Call Lt. Governor Dewhurst TODAY 5/16/13

At this point, we need the support of  Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.  Please call and simply ask for his support of HB 741.  Calls can be made by anyone, regardless of residency.


Phone calls must, MUST be respectful.  Even if the person you speak to is curt, cold, dismissive, or rude, it is vital to the future of not just this bill but any future breastfeeding legislation that we represent breastfeeding advocates well.  There can be no hostility, no accusations, no name calling.  Of course the majority of people would never ever be rude.  There have been reports of antagonistic calls, though; hence this word of caution.  We are passionate about our cause. We mustn't let our passion overrule our skills at diplomacy.

Please call (512) 463-0001 and ask that Lt. Gov. Dewhurst support HB 741.  Takes 30 seconds. 

If you are a conservative voter, mention this.  You may believe in limited government in most regards, but in this case the issue of family values and public health necessitate some regulation.

IF you are asked any questions (which isn't likely), here are some talking points:

HB 741
  • closes a loophole to provide public salaried employees with the same support to express breastmilk that hourly employees have through FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act).
  • passed unanimously out of the House Business and Industry Committee.
  • garnered bipartisan support in the House and passed the House by a vote of 90 to 46.
  • allows employers to reap the benefits of decreased health care costs, lower employee absenteeism for sick days, and increased loyalty of experienced employees.
  • will increase breastfeeding rates, therefore will improve the economy as well as public health.

Email Subscribers

You received a post requesting phone calls.  We are holding off on those for the moment.  Please await an update before acting on the previous post (it has been reverted to a draft so is no longer on this site, but you probably have the text of it in your inbox if you are subscribed to updates).  Thank you.  Will post an update as soon as possible. 

LAST DITCH EFFORT - ACTION ALERT for FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013

Please subscribe to updates on the right side of this page.
You can help with some things regardless of where you live.
 

You can call or write again today even if you have already.

WHERE WE ARE, & WHERE WE NEED TO GO: 
This is a last ditch effort to get HB 741 through the Senate.  Right now, things are not looking good, but we can still rally and give it a good try.  At the very least, we are laying groundwork for next session. 
It is rumored that no more hearings will be scheduled in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee where our bill is currently. We need the chair of that committee and the lieutenant governor to approve re-referring HB 741 to the Government Org. committee, where it would have a hearing, or for the chair of HHS to make an exception and have a formal meeting to vote the bill out of committee. From there, we need Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to support getting the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.


PHONE CALLS:

Phone calls must, MUST be respectful. Even if the person you speak to is curt, cold, dismissive, or rude, it is vital to the future of not just this bill but any future breastfeeding legislation that we represent breastfeeding advocates well. There can be no hostility, no accusations, no name calling. Of course the majority of people would never ever be rude. There have been reports of antagonistic calls, though; hence this word of caution. We are passionate about our cause. We mustn't let our passion overrule our skills at diplomacy.

If you are a conservative voter, mention this. You may believe in limited government in most regards, but in this case the issue of family values and public health necessitate some regulation.

IF you are asked any questions (which isn't likely), here are some talking points:

HB 741:

  • closes a loophole to provide public salaried employees with the same support to express breastmilk that hourly employees have through FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act).
  • passed unanimously out of the House Business and Industry Committee.
  • garnered bipartisan support in the House and passed the House by a vote of 90 to 46.
  • allows employers to reap the benefits of decreased health care costs, lower employee absenteeism for sick days, and increased loyalty of experienced employees.
  • will increase breastfeeding rates, therefore will improve the economy as well as public health.

     TO LT. GOV. DEWHURST:
     (Anyone, Anywhere)

Please call (512) 463-0001 and ask that Lt. Gov. Dewhurst support HB 741. Takes 30 seconds. Calls can be made by anyone, regardless of residency.


     TO SENATOR NELSON:
    (Senate District 12 Residents)

We need polite, diplomatic contacts from District 12 constituents to Senator Jane Nelson, the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.

Please call (512) 463-0112 one time - we don't want to pester them with multiple calls.

We are asking her this:
"Please support HB 741 by either holding a formal meeting to vote it out of committee, or allow it to be re-referred to the Government Org. Committee."

You can ask to speak to the chief of staff or legislative director, but you can also speak to whomever answers the phone.
 

If you can visit Senator Nelson's home office at 1235 S. Main Street, Suite 280 Grapevine, Texas 76051 today this would demonstrate the importance of this bill to her constituents.

EMAILS:
(All Texas Residents)

Visits and phone calls are the highest priority. Once those are made, please write to your senator.

Guidelines and sample emails follow. Personalize an email as much as you can. If you use a sample email, be sure to replace anything in ALL CAPS. You should find an email form on your senator's page by finding him or her here. If you are willing to also send a copy to USBFLeg@gmail.com, we can try to track which districts are receiving emails.

Make certain that letters are not antagonistic or accusatory. Be nice. Surely most people are, but there have been some negative contacts. Hence the following caution:
Above all else, when personalizing your email and sharing your story, if applicable, keep the tone of your email very positive and diplomatic. As much as you may be angry with an employer for not allowing you to pump, now is not the time to write anything negative or inflammatory about your employer or your experience. Simply stick to the facts.
Do not in any way say anything rude or derogatory about the Senator or his or her beliefs. They may not agree with you but they are entitled to their beliefs just as you are. Name calling or telling them, for example, that they must not like babies if they don't support this legislation, will not get us anywhere. Remember, we can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. All communication should be praising and positive. NEVER take a rude or inflammatory tone with any communication with legislators even if they respond in a rude manner to you. Just remember to take the high road, and if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. If an email comes back with a rude response it's better to just thank them for their response and say "I hope that you might research the issue a bit and give it further consideration." But do not engage in trying to be rude back to them or to try to convince them they are wrong. If you do get an email like this please forward it to USBFLeg@gmail.com and the TXBC legislative committee will decide with the author's and sponsor's staffers how and if we should respond to that office.
Also under no circumstance should you try to convince them that breastfeeding is better than formula or in any way should you even mention formula. Just state that for you breastfeeding was the option you chose for your family and you would like to be supported in your efforts to care for your family. We do not want to incite any of the mommy wars here; it will not be helpful to our cause. We do not want to give anyone the impression we think we are superior or that we think they are bad parents because they fed their children formula. That just puts them on the defensive and is not helpful to our cause in any way.

 

  • Begin by introducing yourself as a constituent. If you are a Republican writing a Republican senator, say so. Many conservatives may be reluctant to place regulations on businesses, and it may sway them to know that their conservative constituents feel this bill is necessary. If you are writing on behalf of a group, please identify yourself here ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc)

  • Keep it short (two paragraphs).

  • If you have been affected by a lack of support for pumping at work, relate this very briefly.

  • Ask that the legislator vote for HB 741.

  • Ask for a written response on the Representative's position on the bill. That way a staffer has to do some research and the member has to sign a letter with a position on it.
  • Please include with your signature:
  1. Name
  2. Physical Address
  3. Zip Code
  4. Phone Number(s)

If you are writing on behalf of a group ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc) If you are writing on behalf of a group, such as Texas local breastfeeding coalitions, Texas IBCLC clubs, Texas chapter of AAP, Texas Baby Friendly folks, Texas Mother Friendly folks, parenting groups, etc. please consider the following:
Letters should begin with an introduction of your group. They should talk about health benefits of BF, how you support BF in your community, and HB 741. Letters from a mom should be personalized from the mom's point of view, but these letters should be personalized from the organization's view. These letters can be more lengthy than the 2 paragraph max for letters from individuals (but still somewhat brief).
Please make clear that you represent constituents outside of just your zip code, if that is the case. Please give an idea of how many people are in your group, and/or how many people your group serves.





Example #1

Dear Senator NAME,

I hope this email finds you well. As a resident of (DISTRICT #), I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. For many breastfeeding moms who plan on returning to work, the worries of continuing to breastfeed while away from their baby lead to many sleepless nights. While Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision) provides moms who are non-exempt employees protection to pump milk at work, it does not cover all working, breastfeeding moms. Texas House Bill 741 will extend current worksite pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk. I would be grateful for a written response letting me know your position on HB 741.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #2

Hello, Senator NAME,

I hope this email finds you well. I am a mother who resides in (DISTRICT #) and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. While hourly public employees have reasonable accommodations to express breastmilk at work, salaried public employees are currently exempt. Many moms stop breastfeeding after they return to work due to lack of employer support. Texas House Bill 741 will extend current work-site pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses - such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breastmilk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance (World Health Organization, 2012). Please vote in favor of House Bill 741. I would very much appreciate a written response explaining your position on the bill, and I would welcome the chance to further discuss the importance of community support and breastfeeding!

Thank you for your time and support,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #3

Dear Senator NAME,

I'm a new mother in (DISTRICT) and I breastfeed my baby, and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. HB 741 will extend to salaried public employees worksite accommodations which are already afforded to hourly employees. Breastfeeding rates of initiation are around 80%, however, as women return to work and are unsupported in their efforts to express breastmilk for their babies, breastfeeding rates drop dramatically. This is a public health issue. Increased breastfeeding rates will save lives and a lot of money.

Please support this bill, and support Texas mothers and babies.

Thank you,

NAME and son/daughter NAME (NUMBER OF months)
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #4

Hello, Senator NAME,

I am a constituent of district (DISTRICT NUMBER AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and breastfed/am breastfeeding my child(ren). I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. HB 741 will support mothers who return to work in their efforts to continue to provide breastmilk for their babies, by providing reasonable accommodations to salaried public employees that are already afforded hourly employees. While the great State of Texas already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, there are no laws in place to support an exempt public employee who wishes to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on House Bill 741, and I fervently hope that it has your support.

Respectfully,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #5

Dear Senator NAME,

I am a breastfeeding mother living in (DISTRICT #, REGION, OR CITY, AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and it has come to my attention that House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte, has passed to the Senate. I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741. While breastfeeding in Texas has a high initiation rate, there is a large drop around the time moms return to work. Many moms stop breastfeeding due to a lack of support from their employers. And while federal law requires that working mothers paid on an hourly basis receive reasonable breaks for pumping and a space in which to pump, there is no such protection for salaried public employees, such as teachers. HB 741 would extend current pump at work laws to all state public employees, including salaried employees.

I ask that you help us to support this piece of legislation so that we can give our children the best possible nutrition without being forced to choose between our babies and our jobs. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this important public health issue, and I hope to receive a written reply with your position on the bill. Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Correction

An important correction was made to the sample emails in the previous post, In the Senate.  Please be sure to use the corrected versions that are posted there now.  Thank you.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

In the Senate Now

Please subscribe to updates on the right side of this page.  In legislation, good news = more work!

HB 741

If you saw the previous post, a press release, then you know that the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 741!  This could not have happened without the calls and emails of breastfeeding supporters like you. Thank you!

Our work on HB 741 is not yet complete. The bill will essentially go through the same steps in the Senate: committee, calendar, Senate floor - and then on to the governor to become a law if he doesn't veto.

If the bill is not referred to a committee very soon, it will be difficult for it to move through the rest of the process before the session ends.  However, we are so near the beginning of the process that we must tread a bit carefully.  For the moment, what we need are emails to Senators from their own constituents - even if you've sent one, please send another addressed directly to your senator.  There may come a point, and soon, when we need more of a full court press, and residency may be irrelevant, but for now, please look up your state senator here and send a brief email asking him or her to support HB 741.  Guidelines and sample emails follow.  Personalize an email as much as you can.  If you use a sample email, be sure to replace anything in ALL CAPS. You should find an email form on your senator's page through the link above. If you are willing to also send a copy to USBFLeg@gmail.com, we can try to track which districts are receiving emails.
  • Make certain that letters are not antagonistic or accusatory.  Be nice.  Surely most people are, but there have been some negative contacts.  Hence the following caution:
    Above all else, when personalizing your email and sharing your story, if applicable, keep the tone of your email very positive and diplomatic.  As much as you may be angry with an employer for not allowing you to pump, now is not the time to write anything negative or inflammatory about your employer or your experience.  Simply stick to the facts.
     
    Do not in any way say anything rude or derogatory about the Senator or his or her beliefs.  They may not agree with you but they are entitled to their beliefs just as you are.  Name calling or telling them, for example, that they must not like babies if they don't support this legislation, will not get us anywhere.  Remember, we can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  All communication should be praising and positive.  NEVER take a rude or inflammatory tone with any communication with legislators even if they respond in a rude manner to you.  Just remember to take the high road, and if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.  If an email comes back with a rude response it's better to just thank them for their response and say "I hope that you might research the issue a bit and give it further consideration."  But do not engage in trying to be rude back to them or to try to convince them they are wrong.  If you do get an email like this please forward it to USBFLeg@gmail.com and the TXBC legislative committee will decide with the author's and sponsor's staffers how and if we should respond to that office.
     
    Also under no circumstance should you try to convince them that breastfeeding is better than formula or in any way should you even mention formula.  Just state that for you breastfeeding was the option you chose for your family and you would like to be supported in your efforts to care for your family.  We do not want to incite any of the mommy wars here; it will not be helpful to our cause.  We do not want to give anyone the impression we think we are superior or that we think they are bad parents because they fed their children formula.  That just puts them on the defensive and is not helpful to our cause in any way.
  • Begin by introducing yourself as a constituent.  If you are a Republican writing a Republican senator, say so.  Many conservatives may be reluctant to place regulations on businesses, and it may sway them to know that their conservative constituents feel this bill is necessary.  If you are writing on behalf of a group, please identify yourself here ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc)

  • Keep it short (two paragraphs). 

  • If you have been affected by a lack of support for pumping at work, relate this very briefly.

  • Ask that the legislator vote for HB 741.

  • Ask for a written response on the Representative's position on the bill. That way a staffer has to do some research and the member has to sign a letter with a position on it.


  • Please include with your signature:

  1. Name
  2. Physical Address
  3. Zip Code
  4. Phone Number(s)
  5. Your organization if you are writing on behalf of a group ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc)
If you are writing on behalf of a group, such as Texas local breastfeeding coalitions, Texas IBCLC clubs, Texas chapter of AAP, Texas Baby Friendly folks, Texas Mother Friendly folks, parenting groups, etc. please consider the following:
Letters should begin with an introduction of your group. They should talk about health benefits of BF, how you support BF in your community, and HB 741. Letters from a mom should be personalized from the mom's point of view, but these letters should be personalized from the organization's view. These letters can be more lengthy than the 2 paragraph max for letters from individuals (but still somewhat brief).
Please make clear that you represent constituents outside of just your zip code, if that is the case.  Please give an idea of how many people are in your group, and/or how many people your group serves.
 
Example #1

Dear Senator NAME,

I hope this email finds you well. As a resident of (DISTRICT #), I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. For many breastfeeding moms who plan on returning to work, the worries of continuing to breastfeed while away from their baby lead to many sleepless nights. While Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision) provides moms who are non-exempt employees protection to pump milk at work, it does not cover all working, breastfeeding moms.  Texas House Bill 741 will extend current worksite pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk.  I would be grateful for a written response letting me know your position on HB 741. 

 
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #2

Hello, Senator NAME,

I hope this email finds you well. I am a mother who resides in (DISTRICT #) and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte. While hourly public employees have reasonable accommodations to express breastmilk at work, salaried public employees are currently exempt.  Many moms stop breastfeeding after they return to work due to lack of employer support. Texas House Bill 741 will extend current work-site pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses - such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breastmilk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance (World Health Organization, 2012).  Please vote in favor of House Bill 741.  I would very much appreciate a written response explaining your position on the bill, and I would welcome the chance to further discuss the importance of community support and breastfeeding!

Thank you for your time and support,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #3

Dear Senator NAME,

I'm a new mother in (DISTRICT) and I breastfeed my baby, and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de PutteHB 741 will extend to salaried public employees
worksite accommodations which are already afforded to hourly employees.  Breastfeeding rates of initiation are around 80%, however, as women return to work and are unsupported in their efforts to express breastmilk for their babies, breastfeeding rates drop dramatically.  This is a public health issue.  Increased breastfeeding rates will save lives and a lot of money. 

Please support this bill, and support Texas mothers and babies.

Thank you,

NAME and son/daughter NAME (NUMBER OF months)
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #4

Hello, Senator NAME,

I am a constituent of district (DISTRICT NUMBER AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and breastfed/am breastfeeding my child(ren). I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte.  HB 741 will support mothers who return to work in their efforts to continue to provide breastmilk for their babies, by providing reasonable accommodations to salaried public employees that are already afforded hourly employees.  While the great State of Texas already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, there are no laws in place to support an exempt public employee who wishes to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.
 

I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on House Bill 741, and I fervently hope that it has your support.

Respectfully,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)

 
Example #5

Dear Senator NAME,

I am a breastfeeding mother living in (DISTRICT #, REGION, OR CITY, AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and it has come to my attention that House Bill 741, sponsored by Senator Van de Putte, has passed to the Senate. I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741.  While breastfeeding in Texas has a high initiation rate, there is a large drop around the time moms return to work. Many moms stop breastfeeding due to a lack of support from their employers. And while federal law requires that working mothers paid on an hourly basis receive reasonable breaks for pumping and a space in which to pump, there is no such protection for salaried public employees, such as teachers. HB 741 would extend current pump at work laws to all state public employees, including salaried employees.

I ask that you help us to support this piece of legislation so that we can give our children the best possible nutrition without being forced to choose between our babies and our jobs.  I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this important public health issue, and I hope to receive a written reply with your position on the bill.  Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)



HB 1706

HB 1706 was too far down on the calendar to be voted on by the midnight deadline last Thursday.  At this point in time we should focus our efforts on the passage of HB 741.  However, we intend to support an enforcement provision in the future.

So from now on, every time you or someone you hear about has an experience of having breastfeeding restricted or interfered with while nursing in public, contact your governor and your US and state representatives and senators.  Find them here.  We must plant the seeds that there is a need for an enforcement provision.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Press Release!

Please subscribe to updates on the right side of this page to see how you can help move HB 741 through the Senate!

For Immediate Release
May 10, 2013

Contact:  Neesha Davé
neesha.dave@house.state.tx.us


Walle Legislation to Improve Workplace Policies for Nursing Mothers Passed by the House

AUSTIN – Today, House Bill 741 by State Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston) was passed out of the Texas House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate for consideration.  House Bill 741 requires public employers, including school districts, cities, counties and state agencies, to accommodate employees who need to express breast milk at the work place. 

"As we celebrate Mother's Day this weekend, we must show the mothers in our lives that we value them.  I'm proud that my colleagues have shown their support for working mothers by passing this legislation so that no mother has to choose between her job and breastfeeding her child," said Rep. Walle.  "I am looking forward to working with Senator Leticia Van de Putte as this bill moves through the Texas Senate so that children, mothers, and public employers can benefit from the significant health and economic benefits of breastfeeding."

Under current law, working mothers who are hourly employees have federal protections in place for when they need to express breast milk at the workplace.  However, salaried employees have no protections in state or federal law and House Bill 741 seeks to close this loophole. 

"I am proud to help Rep. Walle move House Bill 741 through the Senate," said Senator Van de Putte. “All public employees should have their right to breastfeed protected, whether salaried or hourly. This bill makes sense for everyone involved, from the standpoint of both health and economics.”

A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and organizations have rallied behind House Bill 741.  Supporters include the Texas Home School Coalition, Texas Medical Association,  Texas Pediatric Society, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texans Care for Children, Texas Breastfeeding Coalition, Texas AFL-CIO, Texas State Employees Union, Texas American Federation of Teachers, Texas State Teachers Association and the Workers Defense Project.

###

Rep. Armando Walle is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives and serves as Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Land & Resource Management and as a member of the House Committee on Business and Industry and the House Select Committee on Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility.  He represents House District 140, which includes northern portions of unincorporated Harris County and the City of Houston.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

THURSDAY, MAY 9 Action Alert

Today is our last day to get our bills out of the House, unless Governor Perry were to call a special session.  We hope they will at least get to HB 741.  We should talk about both HBs 741 and 1706 when contacting legislatorsPlease keep plugging away at making contacts today!  Most of the plan is unchanged, though we are no longer going to contact TPPA, and several legislators have been prioritized for phone calls in the list below.  Thank you ll for sticking with this!  Tonight we'll know if we need to keep it up to get through the Senate!

Here is the revised schedule for this last day of voting in the Texas House.

You can watch online.

or watch on digital cable: Channel 383 Time Warner Central Texas and channel 99 AT&T U-verse Austin.



Remember, even if you have already made contact, please do so again.  And please share this issue with family and friends, your pediatrician, ob-gyn, midwife, doula, family doctor, local hospital, etc.  Be sure to relay the urgency.  You can make contact no matter where you live.  We are all stakeholders in breastfeeding legislation.  You can make more than one form of contact.  Yes - it's ok to email and then call, too.

There's a lot of info here, so there are different colors for the different actions.  Just scroll from color to color - from EMAILS to PHONE CALLS to VISITS.


There is a special event this morning at the Capitol to honor mothers.  You can attend Senator Zaffirini's resolution - she has successfully attached an ammendment to another bill that may lead to the creation of a lactation suite in the Capitol.  If you can attend and visit legislators before and/or after, that would be wonderful.  Details are at the bottom with "VISITS."

EMAILS:


Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "To" section of your email.  If any bounce back, try sending them in a small group or individually.


Alma.Allen@house.state.tx.us, Roberto.Alonzo@house.state.tx.us, Carol.Alvarado@house.state.tx.us, Rafael.Anchia@house.state.tx.us, Charles.Anderson@house.state.tx.us, Trent.Ashby@house.state.tx.us, Jimmie.Aycock@house.state.tx.us, Cecil.Bell@house.state.tx.us, Dwayne.Bohac@house.state.tx.us, Dennis.Bonnen@house.state.tx.us, Greg.Bonnen@house.state.tx.us, Dan.Branch@house.state.tx.us, Cindy.Burkett@house.state.tx.us, Lon.Burnam@house.state.tx.us, Angie.Button@house.state.tx.us, bill.callegari@house.state.tx.us, Terry.Canales@house.state.tx.us, Giovanni.Capriglione@house.state.tx.us, Stefani.Carter@house.state.tx.us, Travis.Clardy@house.state.tx.us, Garnet.Coleman@house.state.tx.us, Nicole.Collier@house.state.tx.us, Byron.Cook@house.state.tx.us, Philip.Cortez@house.state.tx.us, Tom.Craddick@house.state.tx.us, Brandon.Creighton@house.state.tx.us, Myra.Crownover@house.state.tx.us, Tony.Dale@house.state.tx.us, Drew.Darby@house.state.tx.us, John.Davis@house.state.tx.us, Sarah.Davis@house.state.tx.us, Yvonne.Davis@house.state.tx.us, joe.deshotel@house.state.tx.us, Dawnna.Dukes@house.state.tx.us, Harold.Dutton@house.state.tx.us, craig.eiland@house.state.tx.us, Gary.Elkins@house.state.tx.us, Pat.Fallon@house.state.tx.us, Joe.Farias@house.state.tx.us, Marsha.Farney@house.state.tx.us, Jessica.Farrar@house.state.tx.us, Allen.Fletcher@house.state.tx.us, Dan.Flynn@house.state.tx.us, James.Frank@house.state.tx.us, John.Frullo@house.state.tx.us, Charlie.Geren@house.state.tx.us, Helen.Giddings@house.state.tx.us, Craig.Goldman@house.state.tx.us, Larry.Gonzales@house.state.tx.us, Mary.Gonzalez@house.state.tx.us, Naomi.Gonzalez@house.state.tx.us, Lance.Gooden@house.state.tx.us, bobby.guerra@house.state.tx.us, Ryan.Guillen@house.state.tx.us, Roland.Gutierrez@house.state.tx.us, Patricia.Harless@house.state.tx.us, District105.Harper-Brown@house.state.tx.us, Ana.Hernandez@house.state.tx.us, Abel.Herrero@house.state.tx.us, Harvey.Hilderbran@house.state.tx.us, Donna.Howard@house.state.tx.us, Dan.Huberty@house.state.tx.us, Bryan.Hughes@house.state.tx.us, Todd.Hunter@house.state.tx.us, Jason.Isaac@house.state.tx.us, Eric.Johnson@house.state.tx.us, Kyle.Kacal@house.state.tx.us, James.Keffer@house.state.tx.us, Ken.King@house.state.tx.us, Phil.King@house.state.tx.us, Susan.King@house.state.tx.us, Tracy.King@house.state.tx.us, Tim.Kleinschmidt@house.state.tx.us, Stephanie.Klick@house.state.tx.us, Lois.Kolkhorst@house.state.tx.us, Matt.Krause@house.state.tx.us, John.Kuempel@house.state.tx.us, Lyle.Larson@house.state.tx.us, Jodie.Laubenberg@house.state.tx.us, George.Lavender@house.state.tx.us, Jeff.Leach@house.state.tx.us, Tryon.Lewis@house.state.tx.us, Oscar.Longoria@house.state.tx.us, jose.lozano@house.state.tx.us, Marisa.Marquez@house.state.tx.us,
District39.Martinez@house.state.tx.us, Trey.Martinez.Fischer@house.state.tx.us, Ruth.Jones.McClendon@house.state.tx.us, Jose.Menendez@house.state.tx.us, Borris.Miles@house.state.tx.us, Doug.Miller@house.state.tx.us, Rick.Miller@house.state.tx.us, Joe.Moody@house.state.tx.us, Geanie.Morrison@house.state.tx.us, Sergio.Munoz@house.state.tx.us, Jim.Murphy@house.state.tx.us, Elliott.Naishtat@house.state.tx.us, Poncho.Nevarez@house.state.tx.us, Rene.Oliveira@house.state.tx.us, Rob.Orr@house.state.tx.us, John.Otto@house.state.tx.us, Chris.Paddie@house.state.tx.us, Tan.Parker@house.state.tx.us, Diane.Patrick@house.state.tx.us, MaryAnn.Perez@house.state.tx.us, Charles.Perry@house.state.tx.us, Larry.Phillips@house.state.tx.us, Joe.Pickett@house.state.tx.us, Jim.Pitts@house.state.tx.us, Four.Price@house.state.tx.us, John.Raney@house.state.tx.us, Bennett.Ratliff@house.state.tx.us, Richard.Raymond@house.state.tx.us, rraymondtx@aol.com, Ron.Reynolds@house.state.tx.us, Debbie.Riddle@house.state.tx.us, Allan.Ritter@house.state.tx.us, Eddie.Rodriguez@house.state.tx.us, Justin.Rodriguez@house.state.tx.us, Toni.Rose@house.state.tx.us, Scott.Sanford@house.state.tx.us, Matt.Schaefer@house.state.tx.us, Kenneth.Sheets@house.state.tx.us, j.d.sheffield@house.state.tx.us, Ralph.Sheffield@house.state.tx.us, Ron.Simmons@house.state.tx.us, David.Simpson@house.state.tx.us, Wayne.Smith@house.state.tx.us, John.Smithee@house.state.tx.us, Drew.Springer@house.state.tx.us, Phil.Stephenson@house.state.tx.us, Jonathan.Stickland@house.state.tx.us, Mark.Strama@house.state.tx.us,
district121.straus@house.state.tx.us, Van.Taylor@house.state.tx.us, Ed.Thompson@house.state.tx.us, Senfronia.Thompson@house.state.tx.us, Steve.Toth@house.state.tx.us, Chris.Turner@house.state.tx.us, Scott.Turner@house.state.tx.us, Sylvester.Turner@house.state.tx.us, Jason.Villalba@house.state.tx.us, Michael.Villarreal@house.state.tx.us, Hubert.Vo@house.state.tx.us, Armando.Walle@house.state.tx.us, James.White@house.state.tx.us, Paul.Workman@house.state.tx.us, Gene.Wu@house.state.tx.us,  Bill.Zedler@house.state.tx.us, John.Zerwas@house.state.tx.us, Brian.Birdwell@senate.state.tx.us, Donna.Campbell@senate.state.tx.us, John.Carona@senate.state.tx.us, Wendy.Davis@senate.state.tx.us, bob.deuell@senate.state.tx.us, Robert.Duncan@senate.state.tx.us, Rodney.Ellis@senate.state.tx.us, Kevin.Eltife@senate.state.tx.us, Craig.Estes@senate.state.tx.us, Troy.Fraser@senate.state.tx.us, Sylvia.Garcia@senate.state.tx.us, Kelly.Hancock@senate.state.tx.us, Glenn.Hegar@senate.state.tx.us, Juan.Hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us, Joan.Huffman@senate.state.tx.us, Eddie.Lucio@senate.state.tx.us, Jane.Nelson@senate.state.tx.us, Robert.Nichols@senate.state.tx.us, Dan.Patrick@senate.state.tx.us, Ken.Paxton@senate.state.tx.us, Jose.Rodriguez@senate.state.tx.us, Charles.Schwertner@senate.state.tx.us, Kel.Seliger@senate.state.tx.us, Larry.Taylor@senate.state.tx.us, Carlos.Uresti@senate.state.tx.us, Leticia.VandePutte@senate.state.tx.us, Kirk.Watson@senate.state.tx.us, Royce.West@senate.state.tx.us, John.Whitmire@senate.state.tx.us, Tommy.Williams@senate.state.tx.us, Judith.Zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us, USBFLeg@gmail.com 
Then choose one of the following five sample emails below (in black) and copy and paste it into the body of your email.  Please personalize it as much as you can take the time to do (but better sent generic than not sent at all - just change anything in ALL CAPS).  As you personalize your email, consider the following:

  • Begin by introducing yourself as a constituent, IF you are a Texas resident. Find your district number here. If you are writing on behalf of a group, please identify yourself here ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc)

  • Keep it short (two paragraphs). 

  • If you have been affected by discrimination for nursing in public or a lack of support for pumping at work, relate this very briefly. 

  • Ask that the legislator vote for HBs 1706 and 741.

  • Ask for a written response on the Representative's position on the bill. That way a staffer has to do some research and the member has to sign a letter with a position on it.

  • Make certain that letters are not antagonistic or accusatory.

  • Please include with your signature (for Texans only - out of state supporters please just sign your name and phone number):

  1. Name
  2. Physical Address
  3. Zip Code
  4. Phone Number(s)
  5. Your organization if you are writing on behalf of a group ("Member of Texas Breastfeeding Coalition", "Secretary of IBCLCs of Dallas", etc)
If you are writing on behalf of a group, such as Texas local breastfeeding coalitions, Texas IBCLC clubs, Texas chapter of AAP, Texas Baby Friendly folks, Texas Mother Friendly folks, parenting groups, etc. please consider the following:
Letters should begin with an introduction of your group. They should talk about health benefits of BF, how you support BF in your community, and HB 1706 and HB 741. Letters from a mom should be personalized from the mom's point of view, but these letters should be personalized from the organization's view. These letters can be more lengthy than the 2 paragraph max for letters from individuals (but still somewhat brief).
Please make clear that you represent constituents outside of just your zip code, if that is the case.  Please give an idea of how many people are in your group, and/or how many people your group serves.
 
Example #1

Dear Legislator,

I hope this email finds you well. As a resident of (DISTRICT #, REGION, OR TEXAS AND MEMBER OF ORGANIZATION), I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. This uncontroversial bill passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee. HB 741 is on the schedule for vote on Wednesday, 5/8.  For many breastfeeding moms that plan on returning to work, the worries of continuing to breastfeed while away from their baby lead to many sleepless nights. While Section 7(r) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (Break Time for Nursing Mothers Provision) provides moms who are non-exempt employees protection to pump at work, it does not cover all working, breastfeeding moms.  Texas House Bill 741 will extend current work-site pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk.  I would be grateful for a written response letting me know your position on HB 741.

HB 1706 (scheduled for 5/9) will strengthen Health and Safety Code 165.002, a law that asserts a mother's right to nurse her baby in public.  This law is regularly violated, and the fear of a confrontation serves as a barrier to breastfeeding for many women.  Please support both of these bills in the interest of child and maternal health.  

 
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


Example #2

Hello,

I hope this email finds you well. I am a mother who resides in the State of Texas (OR BE SPECIFIC ABOUT DISTRICT/REGION IF IT IS THIS LEGISLATOR'S) and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. This uncontroversial bill passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee. HB 741 is on the schedule for vote on Wednesday, 5/8.  While hourly public employees have reasonable accommodations to express breastmilk at work, salaried public employees are currently exempt.  Many moms stop breastfeeding after they return to work due to lack of employer support. Texas House Bill 741 will extend current work-site pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force while still providing their babies with breastmilk.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses - such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breastmilk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance (World Health Organization, 2012).  HB 1706 will address another barrier to breastfeeding, a fear of nursing in public.  It is on the calendar for Thursday, 5/9.  We have a law that asserts a mother's right, but does not protect it, and it is frequently violated.  HB 1706 will strengthen the existing law.  Please vote in favor of House Bills 741 and 1706.  I would very much appreciate a written response explaining your position on House Bills 741 and 1706.  I would welcome the chance to further discuss the importance of community support and breastfeeding!

Thank you for your time and support,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


 

Example #3

Hello,

I'm a new mother in (CITY/DISTRICT/REGION, TX, AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and I breastfeed my baby and I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. This uncontroversial bill passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee. HB 741 is on the schedule for a vote on Wednesday, 5/8. HB 741 will extend work site accommodations to salaried public employees, which are already afforded to hourly employees.  Breastfeeding rates of initiation are around 80%, however, as women return to work and are unsupported in their efforts to express breastmilk for their babies, breastfeeding rates drop dramatically.  This is a public health issue.  Increased breastfeeding rates will save lives and a lot of money. 

Another way in which mother's need support is to protect their right to breastfeed their babies in public.  Health and Safety Code 165.002 is frequently violated.  A law which is flouted with impunity weakens the rule of law.  HB 1706 would strengthen existing law. 


Please support these bills, and support Texas mothers and babies.

Thank you,

NAME and son/daughter NAME (NUMBER OF months)
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)

 

Example #4

Hello,

I am a constituent of district (DISTRICT NUMBER AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and breastfed/am breastfeeding my child(ren). I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. This uncontroversial bill passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee. HB 741 is on the schedule for vote on Wednesday, May 8th.  HB 741 will support mothers who return to work in their efforts to continue to provide breastmilk for their babies by providing reasonable accommodations to salaried public employees that are already afforded hourly employees.  While the great State of Texas already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, there are no laws in place to support an exempt public employee that wishes to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

HB 1706 (set for Thursday, May 9th) will go a long way to reducing discrimination regularly faced by women whose right to nurse their babies in public is violated frequently. 
I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on House Bills 741 and 1706, and I fervently hope that they have your support.

Respectfully,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


 

Example #5

Dear Legislator,
 

I am a breastfeeding mother living in (DISTRICT #, REGION, OR TEXAS, AND ORGANIZATION IF ANY) and it has come to my attention that House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and co-authored by Rep. Hernandez Luna, is to be voted on today. I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 741.  While breastfeeding in Texas has a high initiation rate, there is a large drop around the time moms return to work. Many moms stop breastfeeding due to a lack of support from their employers. And while federal law requires that working mothers paid on an hourly basis receive reasonable breaks for pumping and a space in which to pump, there is no such protection for salaried public employees, such as teachers. HB 741 would extend current pump at work laws to all state public employees, including salaried employees.

Another bill, HB 1706 (set for Thursday), would educate and enforce an existing law that has been on the books since 1995 and asserts a mother's right to nurse her baby in public.  This is a vital right, as mothers must go to the grocery store and run errands, and babies must eat every couple of hours. 
I ask that you help us to support these pieces of legislation so that we can give our children the best possible nutrition without fear of harassment; so mothers won't be forced to choose between their babies and their jobs.  I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this important public health issue, and I hope to receive a written reply with your position on the bills.  Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,

NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION (IF ANY)


CALLS:

We MUST be courteous in all communications.  Even if the staffer you talk to is cold - even out and out rude - no matter what, be respectful.

The list below does not include most of the Business and Industry or Calendars Committee members, as they have shown the bills support.
 

If you are not a Texas resident, start by calling Republicans.  While breastfeeding is bi-partisan, conservatives will be more hesitant about placing regulations on businesses, and they are in the majority.
  The women are marked with two asterisks (**) and are in red.  The more conservative men are marked with one asterisk (*) and are in blue.  Legislators that we are adding to our priority list today will be in green with three asterisks (***).

Call your own rep if you reside in Texas, then any districts that are close to yours, particularly conservatives (use the district numbers as a guide - they're not necessarily logical but they are to a degree).  Find your rep here: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/find-your-representative/

Please leave a comment listing who you called, so that we can be sure all reps are being called.  If you are told that a rep does or does not support either bill, please note this in the comments. 
  
The Austin area code is 512.
 
Name (Party)   District #   Phone Number

Alma A. Allen (D) 131    512-463-0744

 
Rafael Anchia (D) 103    512-463-0746
 

Charles "Doc" Anderson (R) 56    512-463-0135  
 
*Trent Ashby (R) 57    512-463-0508 
 

Jimmie Don Aycock (R) 54     512-463-0684 

 
***Cecil Bell (R) 3     512-463-0650
 

Dennis H. Bonnen (R) 25   512-463-0564
 

***Greg Bonnen (R) 24   512-463-0729
 

**Cindy Burkett (R) 113   512-463-0464 
 

Lon Burnam (D) 90   512-463-0740 
 

***Angie Chen Button (R) 112  512-463-0486 
 

William A. "Bill" Callegari (R) 132  512-463-0528 
 

Terry Canales (D) 40    512-463-0426
 

*Giovanni Capriglione (R) 98    512-463-0690
 

**Stefani Carter (R) 102   512-463-0454 
 

*Travis Clardy (R) 11   512-463-0592 
 

Garnet Coleman (D) 147   512-463-0524 
 

Nicole Collier (D) 95   512-463-0716 


*Byron C. Cook (R) 8   512-463-0730 

 
Philip Cortez (D) 117  512-463-0269  
 

***Tom Craddick (R) 82   512-463-0500 
 

*Brandon Creighton (R) 16  512-463-0726 

 
**Myra Crownover (R) 64  512-463-0582 

 
***Tony Dale (R) 136   512-463-0696 

***Drew Darby (R) 72   512-463-0331 
 

John E. Davis (R) 129   512-463-0734 


**Sarah Davis (R) 134  512-463-0389  
 
Yvonne Davis (D) 111    512-463-0598 
 

Joseph "Joe" Deshotel (D) 22  512-463-0662  
 

Dawnna M. Dukes (D) 46  512-463-0506   
 

Harold V. Dutton (D) 142   512-463-0510 
 

***Gary Elkins (R) 135   512-463-0722 
 

*Pat Fallon (R) 106   512-463-0697 
 

Joe Farias (D) 118   512-463-0714 
 

**Marsha Farney (R) 20   512-463-0309 
 

Jessica Farrar (D) 148   512-463-0620
 

*Allen Fletcher (R) 130   512-463-0661 
 

***Dan Flynn (R) 2   512-463-0880 
 

***James Frank (R) 69   512-463-0534 
 

Charlie L. Geren (R) 99   512-463-0610 
 

***Craig Goldman (R) 97   512-463-0608 
 

Larry Gonzales (R) 52   512-463-0670 
 

Mary E. Gonzalez (D) 75   512-463-0613 
 

Naomi Gonzalez (D) 76   512-463-0622 
 

Lance Gooden (R) 4   512-463-0458
 

Robert Guerra (D) 41   512-463-0578 
 

Ryan Guillen (D) 31   512-463-0416 
 

Roland Gutierrez (D) 119   512-463-0452 
 

**Patricia F. Harless (R) 126   512-463-0496 
 

***Linda Harper-Brown (R) 105   512-463-0641
 

Ana Hernandez Luna (D) 143   512-463-0614 
 

Abel Herrero (D) 34  512-463-0462  
 

*Harvey Hilderbran (R) 53   512-463-0536 
 

Donna Howard (D) 48   512-463-0631 
 

*Dan Huberty (R) 127   512-463-0520 
 

*Bryan Hughes (R) 5   512-463-0271 
 

*Jason A. Isaac (R) 45   512-463-0647 
 

Eric Johnson (D) 100   512-463-0586
 

Kyle J. Kacal (R) 12   512-463-0412
 

James L. "Jim" Keffer (R) 60   512-463-0656 
 

*Ken King (R) 88  512-463-0736 
 

*Phil S. King (R) 61   512-463-0738 
 

Tracy O. King (D) 80  512-463-0194 
 

Tim Kleinschmidt (R) 17   512-463-0682 
 

**Stephanie Klick (R) 91   512-463-0599 
 

**Lois W. Kolkhorst (R) 13   512-463-0600 
 

*Matt Krause (R) 93  512-463-0562
 

Lyle Larson (R) 122   512-463-0646 
 

**Jodie Laubenberg (R) 89   512-463-0186 
 

***George Lavender (R) 1   512-463-0692 
 

*Jeff Leach (R) 67   512-463-0544 
 

Tryon D. Lewis (R) 81  512-463-0546 
 

Oscar Longoria (D) 35  512-463-0645 
 

J.M. Lozano (R) 43   512-463-0463 

 
Marisa Marquez (D) 77   512-463-0638 
 

Armando A. "Mando" Martinez (D) 39   512-463-0530 
 

Trey Martinez Fischer (D) 116   512-463-0616 
 

Ruth Jones McClendon (D) 120   512-463-0708 
 

Jose Menendez (D) 124   512-463-0634 
 

Borris L. Miles (D) 146   512-463-0518  
 

Doug Miller (R) 73  512-463-0325 
 

*Rick Miller (R) 26  512-463-0710 
 

Joe Moody (D) 78   512-463-0728 
 

**Geanie W. Morrison (R) 30  512-463-0456 
 

Sergio Muñoz (D) 36  512-463-0704 
 

Jim Murphy (R) 133   512-463-0514 
 

Elliott Naishtat (D) 49   512-463-0668 
 

Poncho Nevarez (D) 74   512-463-0566 
 

*Rob D. Orr (R) 58   512-463-0538  
 

John C. Otto (R) 18   512-463-0570 
 

*Chris Paddie (R) 9   512-463-0556 
 

*Tan Parker (R) 63   512-463-0688 
 

**Diane Patrick (R) 94   512-463-0624 
 

Mary Ann Perez (D) 144   512-463-0460 
 

*Charles Perry (R) 83   512-463-0542 
 

***Larry Phillips (R) 62   512-463-0297 
 

Joseph C. "Joe" Pickett (D) 79   512-463-0596 
 

Jim Pitts (R) 10   512-463-0516 
 

*Four Price (R) 87   512-463-0470 
 

*John Raney (R) 14   512-463-0698 
 

Bennett Ratliff (R) 115   512-463-0468 
 

Richard Peña Raymond (D) 42   512-463-0558 
 

Ron Reynolds (D) 27   512-463-0494 
 

**Debbie Riddle (R) 150   512-463-0572 
 

Allan B. Ritter (R) 21   512-463-0706 
 

Justin Rodriguez (D) 125  512-463-0663  
 

Toni Rose (D) 110   512-463-0664 
 

***Scott Sanford (R) 70   512-463-0356 
 

*Matt Schaefer (R) 6   512-463-0584 
 

***Kenneth Sheets (R) 107   512-463-0244 
 

*J.D. Sheffield (R) 59   512-463-0628 
 

Ralph Sheffield (R) 55   512-463-0630 
 

*Ron Simmons (R) 65  512-463-0478 
 

***David Simpson (R) 7   512-463-0750 

***Wayne Smith (R) 128   512-463-0773 
 

John T. Smithee (R) 86   512-463-0702 
 

*Drew Springer (R) 68   512-463-0526 
 

*Phil Stephenson (R) 85  512-463-0604 

*Jonathan Stickland (R) 92   512-463-0522 
 

Mark Strama (D) 50  512-463-0821 
 

*Van Taylor (R) 66   512-463-0594
 

Ed Thompson (R) 29  512-463-0707 
 

Senfronia Thompson (D)   512-463-0720 
 

*Steve Toth (R) 15  512-463-0797 
 

Chris Turner (D) 101  512-463-0574 
 

Scott Turner (R) 33  512-463-0484 
 

Sylvester Turner (D) 139   512-463-0554 


***Jason Villalba (R) 114  512-463-0567 
 
Michael "Mike" Villarreal (D)   512-463-0532 
 

Hubert Vo (D) 149   512-463-0568 
 

*James White (R) 19  512-463-0490 
 

Gene Wu (D) 137  512-463-0492 
 

***William "Bill" Zedler (R) 96  512-463-0374 
 

John Zerwas (R) 28  512-463-0657




 

VISITS:

If you can visit the Capitol, that will make a great impact.  Call 512.655.9647 to coordinate efforts.  A good place to park is at 1201 San Jacinto in the Capitil Visitors Parking Garage.  Dress business casual if you can.  It's fine to bring children.  And of course, be respectful and courteous.  The Capitol is at 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX.


Sen. Zaffirini has been trying to get a lactation suite built at the Capitol and she had no luck getting it constructed just by request, so she attached an amendment to the State Preservation Board's Sunset bill, which has passed! It requires them to do a study and plans to build a lactation suite at the Capitol.

She is having a "resolution" today to honor nursing moms and bring some attention in general to breastfeeding. She wanted to do it just before Mother's Day. A resolution is not a law, it is something they do to recognize or honor someone - it's a ceremonial type thing. Other examples of resolutions are congratulating a high school football team on winning a state championship or congratulating a married couple who is celebrating a 60 year wedding anniversary - that type of thing. So it is really just a ceremonial deal to raise awareness about breastfeeding and the lactation suite she wants them to construct. They have asked various groups to provide information on breastfeeding and they plan to have bags to pass out to all the Senators as well as members of the public who attend.

The event is at approximately 11 am (as soon as session begins). Anyone wishing to participate should go to Senator Zaffirini’s office 30 min prior to the start of session (10:30), if possible, to gather and to walk up to the gallery as a group. Nathan Lerma, our scheduler will escort everyone up to the best section of the gallery for the event.


Her office is 1E.14. Anyone wishing to attend should park in visitor's garage (1201 San Jacinto) and enter through east door to the Capitol. Her office is in the left hand corner as soon as you go through security so very easy to find.

There are maps at our Central Texas Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition event.