So Whatever Happened to Those Bills?...

Whatever happened to Texas breastfeeding legislation, HB 1706 and HB 741?  

It's been just shy of a year since our last call to action. The pace of the those last days was exhausting, and despite best intentions to do so, with no further actions to call anyone to, this blog was never updated.

So what happened to those bills?

They died an excruciating death. Well, excruciating for those of us who put so much work into supporting them. Excruciating for the mothers who have since lacked support to pump at work, or who have been harassed for nursing in public.  Mothers who may not have met their breastfeeding goals as a result.

HB 1706, having spent too much time cooped up in the Calendars Committee, was finally set for the calendar, but was not heard by the deadline and never faced a vote in the House.

HB 741 passed in the House, but by the time it was assigned by Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, that committee had already determined that they would not hear any more bills.  You can see how your Representative voted in the House here.

This winter, both pieces of legislation will be re-filed, which will give them new numbers.  Texas Breastfeeding Coalition also seeks to promote access to lactation support from IBCLCs, which will mean a third piece of breastfeeding legislation.

It will be vital to have legislators contacted by their constituents over the next year.

Below are ways that you can support breastfeeding legislation.  As a stopgap measure while the Texas Breastfeeding Coalition website is being overhauled, you will be subscribing initially to a mailing list maintained by the local breastfeeding coalition in Austin.  Being located in the Capitol, this local coalition is heavily involved in lobbying for the whole state of Texas.  Your email address will then be transferred to TXBC's mailing list for legislative action alerts once the website has been updated.  Keep reading beyond the form below - there are several ways you can help at various commitment levels.

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Contact your legislators

You can look up your state legislators here. 

Tell them that breastfeeding is an important public health issue that you want them to support. Ask them to support legislation in the next session.  (Remember to be polite.)

A visit sends the strongest message, followed by a phone call (you'll likely talk to a young staffer).  Emails and even tweets can also be a good contact.

If you have had negative experiences, you might share these.  Or you could bring up some of the issues that have made the news in the past year (and call when the next one happens).  It is also worth mentioning positive experiences, demonstrating that business owners can rather easily support pumping at work, or can benefit from supporting mothers who need to nurture their babies while they are frequenting their businesses.

If you are conservative, mention this.  Breastfeeding is a bi-partisan issue, and we need all of our conservative legislators to realize this, and to prioritize individual liberty and traditional values over limited government and free enterprise.

Join the Facebook group

Join We Support Texas Breastfeeding Laws with Enforcement here.  When you are approved to join, select "All Posts" under "Notifications" so that you don't miss anything there.

Join Texas Breastfeeding Coalition

Your membership keeps you connected to what is going on in breastfeeding advocacy, and it helps to strengthen the coalition, for $10 a year.  You can join here.

Thank your Representative

If your Representative voted for HB 741, express your gratitude.  If he or she voted against it, you might politely inquire as to why (and if you respond to the answer, maintaining diplomacy is vital).

Campaign

If you are moved to do so, you could help out in a House or Senate campaign that interests you.  This is not likely to be forgotten, and if your candidate is elected it may give you a stronger voice when you ask for support of our bills.

Support USBC Efforts

Breastfeeding legislation on a federal level can support even more mothers.  Go to the United States Breastfeeding Committee's website to learn how to extend pump-at-work rights not just to Texas public employees, but to all currently-exempt mothers with the Supporting Working Moms Act.

Have questions?  You can contact the Legislative Chair of the Texas Breastfeeding Coalition at TXBFLeg@gmail.com.

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)

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.

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 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)



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.

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.