Tuesday, May 7, 2013

TUESDAY, MAY 7th Action Alert!

Good news means there's lots more work to do!  HB 741 (pump at work) was set for Wednesday for a vote!  Unfortunately, HB 1706 (right to breastfeed) has not yet been set.  We've been told it's not necessarily too late, although even if it's set, they may run out of time before they get to it. 

The action plan for today is to send emails, make phone calls, and visit legislators - somewhat the same, but more people to call.


You can make contact even if you already have.  Just let them know it matters so much to you that you would contact them again. 

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.

EMAILS:

Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "To" section of your email:

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, linda.harperbrown@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, Armando.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, Joe.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 do whatever (s)he can to convince the Calendars Committee to set HB 1706 for a date on the House floor ASAP and to support both bills by voting for them.  

  • 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 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.  If it is to see a vote, it must be set today for early on Thursday's calendar.  Please do all you can to ensure that it is set and give it your vote on the House floor.

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.  We have a law that asserts a mother's right, but does not protect it, and it is frequently violated.  Please contact the Calndars Committee and ask them to set HB 1706 for early Thursday to give you a chance to vote for it.



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 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 contact the Calendars Chairman and ask that it be set early on Thursday's calendar to ensure that you can vote for it.


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, 5/8.  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, if set early on Thursday's calendar, will go a long way to reducing discrimination regularly faced by women whose right to nurse their babies in public is violated frequently.  Please contact the Calendars Committee chairman and ask that HB 1706 be set so that you may vote to support the health and rights of mothers and babies.  I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on House Bills 741 and 1706. 



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 this Wednesday, 5/8. 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. 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, 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.  Please contact the Calendars chair and urge him to set HB 1706 early Thursday.  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.

1. Please begin by calling Rep. Hunter, Chair of Calendars Committee.  Ask him to set HB 1706 (strengthening of right-to-breastfeed) first thing on Thursday's calendar. 
(512) 463-0672
 
2. Rep. Button - she is on Calendars but has not said if she will support the bills.  Ask her to.
(512) 463-0486


3. Speaker of the House, Rep. Joe Strauss.  Ask to speak to the Chief of Staff or to Jonathan.  Ask them to set HB 1706 early Thursday, and to do anything they can to support HBs 1706 and 741.
(512) 463-1000


4. Call more reps!  

The list below does not include 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.

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. 
 
Name (Party)   District #   Phone Number

Alma A. Allen (D) 131 463-0744
 

Rafael Anchia (D) 103 463-0746
 

Charles "Doc" Anderson (R) 56    463-0135
 

Trent Ashby (R) 57    463-0508
 

Jimmie Don Aycock (R) 54    463-0684
 

Cecil Bell (R) 3   463-0650
 

Dennis H. Bonnen (R) 25   463-0564
 

Greg Bonnen (R) 24    463-0729
 

Cindy Burkett (R) 113    463-0464
 

Lon Burnam (D) 90    463-0740
 

Angie Chen Button (R) 112    463-0486
 

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

Terry Canales (D) 40    463-0426
 

Giovanni Capriglione (R) 98    463-0690
 

Stefani Carter (R) 102    463-0454
 

Travis Clardy (R) 11    463-0592
 

Garnet Coleman (D) 147     463-0524
 

Nicole Collier (D) 95    463-0716
 

Philip Cortez (D) 117    463-0269
 

Tom Craddick (R) 82    463-0500
 

Brandon Creighton (R) 16    463-0726
 

Tony Dale (R) 136    463-0696
 

Drew Darby (R) 72    463-0331
 

John E. Davis (R) 129    463-0734
 

Yvonne Davis (D) 111    463-0598
 

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

Dawnna M. Dukes (D) 46    463-0506 
 

Harold V. Dutton (D) 142    463-0510
 

Gary Elkins (R) 135    463-0722
 

Pat Fallon (R) 106    463-0694
 

Joe Farias (D) 118    463-0714
 

Marsha Farney (R) 20    463-0309
 

Jessica Farrar (D) 148    463-0620
 

Allen Fletcher (R) 130    463-0661
 

Dan Flynn (R) 2    463-0880
 

James Frank (R) 69    463-0534
 

Charlie L. Geren (R) 99    463-0610
 

Craig Goldman (R) 97    463-0608
 

Larry Gonzales (R) 52    463-0670
 

Mary E. Gonzalez (D) 75    463-0613
 

Naomi Gonzalez (D) 76    463-0622
 

Lance Gooden (R) 4    463-0458
 

Robert Guerra (D) 41    463-0578
 

Ryan Guillen (D) 31    463-0416
 

Roland Gutierrez (D) 119    463-0452
 

Patricia F. Harless (R) 126    463-0496
 

Linda Harper-Brown (R) 105    463-0641
 

Ana Hernandez Luna (D) 143    463-0614
 

Abel Herrero (D) 34    463-0462
 

Harvey Hilderbran (R) 53    463-0536
 

Donna Howard (D) 48    463-0631
 

Dan Huberty (R) 127    463-0520
 

Bryan Hughes (R) 5    463-0271
 

Jason A. Isaac (R) 45    463-0647
 

Eric Johnson (D) 100    463-0586
 

Kyle J. Kacal (R) 12    463-0412
 

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

Ken King (R) 88    463-0736
 

Phil S. King (R) 61    463-0738
 

Susan King (R) 71    463-0718
 

Tracy O. King (D) 80    463-0194
 

Tim Kleinschmidt (R) 17    463-0682
 

Stephanie Klick (R) 91    463-0599
 

Lois W. Kolkhorst (R) 13    463-0600
 

Matt Krause (R) 93    463-0562
 

Lyle Larson (R) 122    463-0646
 

Jodie Laubenberg (R) 89    463-0186
 

George Lavender (R) 1    463-0692
 

Jeff Leach (R) 67    463-0544
 

Tryon D. Lewis (R) 81    463-0546
 

Oscar Longoria (D) 35    463-0645
 

J.M. Lozano (R) 43    463-0463
 

Marisa Marquez (D) 77    463-0638
 

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

Trey Martinez Fischer (D) 116    463-0616
 

Ruth Jones McClendon (D) 120    463-0708
 

Jose Menendez (D) 124    463-0634
 

Borris L. Miles (D) 146    463-0518 
 

Doug Miller (R) 73   463-0325
 

Rick Miller (R) 26   463-0710
 

Joe Moody (D) 78    463-0728
 

Geanie W. Morrison (R) 30   463-0456
 

Sergio Muñoz (D) 36   463-0704 
 

Jim Murphy (R) 133    463-0514
 

Elliott Naishtat (D) 49    463-0668
 

Poncho Nevarez (D) 74    463-0566
 

Rob D. Orr (R) 58    463-0538 
 

John C. Otto (R) 18    463-0570
 

Chris Paddie (R) 9    463-0556
 

Tan Parker (R) 63    463-0688
 

Diane Patrick (R) 94    463-0624
 

Mary Ann Perez (D) 144    463-0460
 

Charles Perry (R) 83    463-0542
 

Larry Phillips (R) 62    463-0297
 

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

Jim Pitts (R) 10    463-0516
 

Four Price (R) 87    463-0470
 

John Raney (R) 14    463-0698
 

Bennett Ratliff (R) 115    463-0468
 

Richard Peña Raymond (D) 42    463-0558
 

Ron Reynolds (D) 27    463-0494 
 

Debbie Riddle (R) 150    463-0572
 

Allan B. Ritter (R) 21    463-0706
 

Justin Rodriguez (D) 125    463-0669
 

Toni Rose (D) 110    463-0664
 

Scott Sanford (R) 70    463-0356
 

Matt Schaefer (R) 6    463-0584
 

Kenneth Sheets (R) 107    463-0244
 

J.D. Sheffield (R) 59    463-0628
 

Ralph Sheffield (R) 55    463-0630
 

Ron Simmons (R) 65    463-0478 
 

David Simpson (R) 7    463-0750
 

Wayne Smith (R) 128    463-0733
 

John T. Smithee (R) 86    463-0702
 

Drew Springer (R) 68    463-0526
 

Phil Stephenson (R) 85   463-0604
 

Jonathan Stickland (R) 92    463-0522
 

Mark Strama (D) 50   463-0821 
 

Van Taylor (R) 66    463-0594
 

Ed Thompson (R) 29   463-0707
 

Senfronia Thompson (D)    463-0720
 

Steve Toth (R) 15   463-0797
 

Chris Turner (D) 101   463-0574
 

Scott Turner (R) 33    463-0484
 

Sylvester Turner (D) 139    463-0554
 

Michael "Mike" Villarreal (D)    463-0532
 

Hubert Vo (D) 149    463-0568
 

James White (R) 19   463-0490
 

Gene Wu (D) 137   463-0492
 

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

John Zerwas (R) 28   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.  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.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Action Alert for MONDAY, MAY 6

This may be your last opportunity to support these bills this session.  If they are not set by the end of the day, they will not be on the last calendar, which will be printed tomorrow.  We need help regardless of where you live, in the state or out of it.

Contacts which require the most effort make the greatest impact.  If you can visit the calendars committee tomorrow, call 512.655.9647.

If you have already contacted the legislators, please do so again.  Express that this is so important to you that you are contacting them again.

If you can take the time to call, that would help a great deal.  Whomever you speak to, tell them why these bills are important to you personally.  If you've had a NIP incident or lacked support at work, tell them your story.  They know they're "the breastfeeding bills" - make sure they know what the bills are FOR.  Click for info for calls.

After you call, please follow up with an email.  Click for info on emails.

Please ask everyone you know to support these bills through action.  Please share on social media.  If we really and truly flood them with contacts - like Rep Riddle's office was when she said she wouldn't vote for HB 1706 - maybe they won't be able to ignore us.  This is worse than one rep. opposing a bill.  This is several elected officials blocking our bills from even seeing a vote.

Call to Action SUNDAY, MAY 5

This is what we can do today.  This evening we will post what can be done on Monday, which will make phone calls a priority.  If the bills are not on the calendar by the end of tomorrow, they're dead.  We must act now.

Breastfeeding legislation in Texas has the potential to benefit people far outside of our state over the years.  If you are not a Texas resident, we still welcome your participation in our efforts to pass our breastfeeding bills.  Contacts from men are also of value.

House Bills 741 and 1706 are currently listed as being "Considered in Calendars."  As the website has not been updated and we have no time to waste, today we will send emails to all legislators asking for them to be sure that the bills are set, and prioritized in doing so to ensure that they will be voted upon before the midnight Thursday deadline.  If you write and want to do more today, you can leave voice mails for the calendars committee.  

Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "To" section of your email:


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, linda.harperbrown@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, Armando.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, Joe.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 do whatever (s)he can to convince the Calendars Committee to set HB 741 and HB 1706 for a date on the House floor ASAP.  
  • 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.
 


SAMPLE EMAILS: 


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 1706 authored by Rep. Farrar, and House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. These uncontroversial bills passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee but were held back in Calendars.  Women and babies need these bills to be set for the House floor early enough to ensure that they will be voted on by the midnight Thursday deadline.  I hope that you will do all you can to ensure that this happens.  

Currently Texas law states "A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be." However, this merely asserts her right. It does not protect her right, as there is currently no enforcement provision. Mothers are frequently discriminated against for feeding their children while they are out supporting the economy by shopping for their families and eating in restaurants. Fear of this discrimination prevents many mothers from choosing optimal nutrition for their babies as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and others. HB 1706 will not only serve mothers and babies, it will inform businesses of the law and allow them to avoid the negative media attention that sometimes follows an incident where an ill-informed employee humiliates a mother who is trying only to feed her child.  House Bill 741 will extend worksite pumping protections to salaried public employees so that they can contribute to the work force but still provide their babies with breastmilk.  I would be grateful for a written response letting me know your position on these bills. 

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 am writing to ask for your support for House Bill 1706 and House Bill 741 by doing all you can to have these bills set for the House floor as soon as possible to be certain they come to a vote before the deadline.  Though they passed unanimously out of the Business and Industry Committee and would significantly impact public health and thereby the economy, they have been held back in Calendars.  Texas law already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition and states that a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be; however she is not truly protected because there is no enforcement of that law, and is thus at risk of being harassed and ceasing to breastfeed as a result.  And while hourly public employees have reasonable accommodations to express breastmilk at work, currently salaried public employees are exempt.  

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).  As a breastfeeding mom and advocate for mothers and children, I urge you to support this legislation to better protect a woman’s right to breastfeed. I would very much appreciate a written response explaining your position on both of these bills.  And I would welcome the chance to meet with you 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. I am writing to ask you to do anything in your power to have HB 1706 and HB 741 set for a date on the House floor early enough that they will see a vote.  I would appreciate a written response with your position in these bills.  They were passed unanimously out of the bi-partisan Business and Industry Committee, yet have been held back in Calendars.  Currently, state law asserts that I have the right to nurse my baby anywhere that I am authorized to be... but that hasn't stopped people from asking me to move to a private area when I breastfeed my baby, or telling me that I need to cover up with a blanket (even though I take care not to expose myself), as though by feeding my baby I am doing something wrong. Other Texas women have been harassed even more harshly than I, have been humiliated publicly, and have been banished from public places, all for giving their babies the very best food available: breastmilk. This has caused many of my friends to avoid nursing in public at all costs, which incidentally has a side effect of depriving local businesses of potential customers. HB 1706 will amend our existing law to create a private right of action as a recourse for mothers who are discriminated against or harassed for nursing in any public place where they are already allowed to be.  

HB 741 will extend work site accommodations to salaried public employees which are already afforded hourly employees.  Breastfeeding rates of initiation are around 75-80%, 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 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 your support for House Bill 1706, authored by Rep. Farrar, and for HB 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna by ensuring that they are set for the House floor and soon enough that they will be voted on before the midnight Thursday deadline.  Though they had unanimous support from the bi-partisan Business and Industry Committee, they have been held back in Calendars for almost a month.  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.  Texas law already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, and a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.  However she is not truly protected because there is no education about or enforcement of that law, which HB 1706 would provide.  Frequently there are stories in the media of mothers being confronted for breastfeeding in public, which is very telling of the fact that without an enforcement provision, people who do not agree with Texas law treat following it as optional. 

Mothers like me are frequently discriminated against for feeding their children in public. This happens at malls, restaurants, and parks across the state.  The fear of being belittled by another person can be enough motivation for some moms not to breastfeed, despite recommendations from some of the biggest health organizations in the world including the AAP and WHO. The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but a nervous new mom may choose not to breastfeed to avoid potential public ridicule. HB 1706 will not only serve mothers and babies, it will ensure that businesses and their employees are up to date on what the law protects. As a breastfeeding mom and advocate for mothers and children, I urge you to support this legislation as we strive to truly protect a woman’s right to breastfeed.  Please ensure these bills are set for a date on the House floor at the earliest opportunity.  I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on these bills.  

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 Bills 1706, authored by Rep. Farrar, and 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna, are listed as under consideration in the Calendars Committee after a near month of being held back despite unanimous support by the bi-partisan Business and Industry Committee. I ask that you support them by ensuring they are set for a date on the House floor, and early enough to be voted on by midnight this Thursday.  Under the current law, a woman has the right to breastfeed in any location that she has permission to be.  However, because there is no education about or consequences for disturbing a breastfeeding mother, this law is often violated. Additionally, federal law requires that working mothers paid on an hourly basis receive reasonable breaks for pumping and a space in which to pump, but there is no protection like this for salaried public employees such as teachers.
 
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)


The email list above includes an address for one of our advocates who will track what districts letters are being sent from (based on your address) so that we can be certain that are hearing from their own constituents among all of the contacts they receive, as legislators focus on their own constituents almost exclusively.  Your information will not be shared.  If you do not wish to send your email to our representative, however, simply delete the last address, USBFLeg@gmail.com, from the list.


Thank you so much for taking the time to support breastfeeding mothers and babies!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Anyone, Anywhere - Call Calendars Committee

We have been plugging away at making quality contacts to representatives, as constituent contacts carry the most weight.  If our bills are not set on the calendar within the next week, the bills will die in committee.  We need to move on to quantity.

Regardless of where you live, please call the Calendars Committee from 10-2 Saturday and all day Monday.  Ask to speak to the Chief of Staff if he or she is available, but if not, speak to whomever takes the call.  Ask if they support House Bills 741 & 1706.  Ask them to show their support by setting HBs 741 and 1706 on the calendar immediately.  Calls can be made very quickly - all of them could probably be made in 30 minutes, but if you only have 5 minutes, make three or four calls, starting at the top (unless one of the members is your rep.)

If calls are just not going to happen for you or you can call and email, please scroll down to the previous post for guidelines and sample emails and contact the members that way.  You can also personalize and use a sample email as a sort of script if you like when making phone calls.

Calendars Committee Members & Speaker's Phone Numbers:

Speaker of the House Rep. Joe Strauss -
(512) 463-1000

Chair Rep. Todd Hunter – District 32 (Corpus Christi area)
(512) 463-0672

Vice Chair Rep. Eddie Lucio III – District 38 (Harlingen/Brownsville area)
(512) 463-0606

Rep. Dan Branch – District 108 (Dallas)
(512) 463-0367

Rep. Angie Chen Button - District 112 (Richardson/Garland area)
(512) 463-0486

Rep. Byron Cook - District 8 (Corsicana/Palestine area)
(800) 643-7026 or (512) 463-0730

Rep Myra Crownover
- District 64 (Denton/Lake Dallas)
(512) 463-0582

Rep. John Frullo - District 84 (Lubbock)
(512) 463-0676

Rep. Charlie Geren - District 99 (River Oaks/Ft.Worth)
(512) 463-0610

Rep. John Kuempel - District 44 (Seguin/New Braunfels)
(512) 463-0602

Rep. Doug Miller - District 73 (New Braunfels/Fredericksburg)
(512) 463-0325


Rep. Craig Eiland - District 23 (Texas City/Seabrook/Galveston)
(512) 463-0502


These reps. are supportive; but we should still call them to make sure they prioritize the bills:

Rep. Roberto Alonzo – District 104 (Dallas)
(512) 463-0408


Rep. Sarah Davis - District 134 (Houston)
(512) 463-0389
 


Rep. Helen Giddings - District 109 (De Soto/south Dallas)
(512) 463-0953


Rep. Carol Alvarado – District 145 (Houston)
(512) 463-0732


If you are a Texas resident, you can also ask your own rep to support the bills & contact the Calendars Committee.
Find your rep here: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/find-your-representative/ 
Find their contact information here: http://www.texastribune.org/directory/

Please share this post with friends, and if you are on Facebook, you can share this "event."

If you get solid confirmation that a representative is in full support of both bills, please comment.  We should focus our efforts on the reps. who may not be.

Thank you for your support!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Contact Calendars Committee

Raphael Goetter, "the breastfeeding Lady 1" November 3, 2007
via Flikr, Creative Commons Attribution
Thanks to contact from breastfeeding supporters, both HB 741 and HB 1706 have been approved by the Business & Industry Committee in the Texas House of Representatives! The next step is to have the Calendars Committee add it to the House's voting calendar. If the bills are passed by the entire House of Representatives, they move on to a vote within the Senate.

In order for the bills to have adequate time to move through the entire legislative process, we must ask the Calendars Committee to schedule the bills to be heard on the House floor by all representatives as soon as possible. 

Below you will find contact information, guidelines for letter-writing, and sample letters.  If you have time to make phone calls, that will have a greater impact.  Just use the guidelines below, and if you'd like, tailor a letter to serve as your script.



Please contact your own district representative (asking for support of the bills & that (s)he ask the Calendars Committee to set the bills for a date on the House floor as soon as possible) as well as the Calendars Committee members.
You can find the committee members' names, districts, emails and phone numbers under the "Calendars Committee" tab.  If you have time to write to individual members and can be specific about districts when writing your own rep. or one in your region, that would be ideal.  

However, if you need to get this done quickly, you can copy & paste this list:

todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us, eddie.lucio_iii@house.state.tx.us, roberto.alonzo@house.state.tx.us, carol.alvarado@house.state.tx.us, dan.branch@house.state.tx.us, angie.button@house.state.tx.us, byron.cook@house.state.tx.us, myra.crownover@house.state.tx.us, sarah.davis@house.state.tx.us, craig.eiland@house.state.tx.us, john.frullo@house.state.tx.us, charlie.geren@house.state.tx.us, helen.giddings@house.state.tx.us, John.Kuempel@house.state.tx.us, Doug.Miller@house.state.tx.us, USBFLeg@gmail.com

This list includes an address for one of our advocates who will track what districts letters are being sent from (based on your address) so that we can be certain that committee members, and later all House members, are hearing from their own constituents.  This will be vital, as legislators focus on their own constituents almost exclusively.  Your information will not be shared.  If you do not wish to send your email to our representative, however, simply delete the last address, USBFLeg@gmail.com, from the list.

Guidelines:

Sample letters are below. Personalize one as much as you can.

Begin by introducing yourself as a constituent, and keep it short (two paragraphs). 

Ask the Calendars Committee to set HB 741 and HB 1706 for a date on the House floor ASAP.

Say exactly why you support the bills.

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. Try to email weekly.
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, 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

Hello Rep. NAME,

I hope this email finds you well. As a resident of (DISTRICT #, REGION, OR TEXAS), I’m writing to ask for your support of House Bill 1706 authored by Rep. Farrar, and House Bill 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. I hope that you will work to set these bills for a date on the House floor at the earliest opportunity.  Currently Texas law states "A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be." However, this merely asserts her right. It does not protect her right, as there is currently no enforcement provision. Mothers are frequently discriminated against for feeding their children while they are out supporting the economy by shopping for their families and eating in restaurants. Fear of this discrimination prevents many mothers from choosing optimal nutrition for their babies as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and others. HB 1706 will not only serve mothers and babies, it will inform businesses of the law and allow them to avoid the negative media attention that sometimes follows an incident where an ill-informed employee humiliates a mother who is trying only to feed her child.

House Bill 741 will extend worksite pumping protections to salaried public employees. Currently, employees like teachers are often forced to choose between providing breastmilk for their babies or keeping their jobs. HB 741 will give these working mothers the same protection that is already afforded to hourly workers under federal law: reasonable accommodations for pumping milk for babies up to a year old.  As a breastfeeding mom and an advocate for mothers and children, I urge you to support this legislation by putting these bills before the House as soon as possible.  I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this public health issue, and I would be grateful for a written response letting me know your position on these bills. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
NAME
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER 


Example #2

Hello, Rep. NAME,

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 am writing to ask for your support for House Bill 1706 and House Bill 741 by putting these bills on the House floor as soon as possible.  Texas law already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition and states that a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be; however she is not truly protected because there is no enforcement of that law, and is thus at risk of being harassed and ceasing to breastfeed as a result.  And while hourly public employees have reasonable accommodations to express breastmilk at work, currently salaried public employees are exempt.

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).  As a breastfeeding mom and advocate for mothers and children, I urge you to support this legislation to better protect a woman’s right to breastfeed. I would very much appreciate a written response explaining your position on both of these bills.  And I would welcome the chance to meet with you to further discuss the importance of community support and breastfeeding!

Thank you for your time and support,

NAME 
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER


Example #3

Dear Representative NAME, 

I'm a new mother in CITY/DISTRICT/REGION, TX, and I breastfeed my baby. I am writing to ask you to set HB 1706 and HB 741 for a date on the House floor at the first opportunity.  I would appreciate a written response with your position in these bills.  Currently, state law asserts that I have the right to nurse my baby anywhere that I am authorized to be... but that hasn't stopped people from asking me to move to a private area when I breastfeed my SON/DAUGHTER, or telling me that I need to cover up with a blanket (even though I take care not to expose myself). Other Texas women have been harassed even more harshly than I, have been humiliated publicly, and have been banished from public places, all for giving their babies the very best food available: breastmilk. This has caused many of my friends to avoid nursing in public at all costs, which incidentally has a side effect of depriving local businesses of potential customers. HB 1706 will amend our existing law to create a private right of action as a recourse for mothers who are discriminated against or harassed for nursing in any public place where they are already allowed to be. 

HB 741 will extend work site accommodations to salaried public employees which are already afforded hourly employees.  Breastfeeding rates of initiation are around 75-80%, 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 these bills, and support Texas mothers and babies.

Thank you,

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


Example #4

Dear Rep. NAME,

I am a constituent of your district NUMBER and breastfed/am breastfeeding my child(ren). I’m writing to ask your support for House Bill 1706, authored by Rep. Farrar, and for HB 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna. 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.  Texas law already recognizes breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, and a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.  However she is not truly protected because there is no enforcement of that law, which HB 1706 would provide.  Frequently there are stories in the media of mothers being confronted for breastfeeding in public, which is very telling of the fact that without an enforcement provision, people who do not agree with Texas law treat following it as optional.

Mothers like me are frequently discriminated against for feeding their children in public. This happens at malls, restaurants, and parks across the state. [OPTIONAL: INSERT YOUR BRIEF NIP INCIDENT HERE] The fear of being belittled by another person can be enough motivation for some moms not to breastfeed, despite recommendations from some of the biggest health organizations in the world including the AAP and WHO. The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but a nervous new mom may choose not to breastfeed to avoid potential public ridicule. HB 1706 will not only serve mothers and babies, it will ensure that businesses and their employees are up to date on what the law protects. As a breastfeeding mom and advocate for mothers and children, I urge you to support this legislation as we strive to truly protect a woman’s right to breastfeed.  Please set these bills for a date on the House floor at the earliest opportunity.  I would very much appreciate a written response regarding your position on these bills.

Respectfully,

NAME 
PHYSICAL ADDRESS 
ZIP CODE
PHONE NUMBER


Example #5

Dear Representative NAME,


I am a breastfeeding mother living in DISTRICT #, REGION, OR TEXAS, and it has come to my attention that House Bills 1706, authored by Rep. Farrar, and 741, authored by Rep. Walle and coauthored by Rep. Hernandez Luna, are in the Calendars Committee. I ask that you support them by setting them for a date on the House floor as soon as possible.  Under the current law, a woman has the right to breastfeed in any location that she has permission to be.  However, because there are currently no consequences for disturbing a breastfeeding mother, this law is often violated. Additionally, federal law requires that working mothers paid on an hourly basis receive reasonable breaks for pumping and a space in which to pump, but there is no protection like this for salaried public employees such as teachers.
 
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.  This topic has received media coverage throughout and even far beyond Texas (see links below).  I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you 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

(JUST CHOOSE A FEW OF THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO SHARE)
 

Dallas Morning News (need subscription; this is google doc just for legislators):
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706-741DallasMorningNews 
 
KUT News:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706-741KUTNews 

Cafe Mom/The Stir:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706cafemom 
 
Dallas Observer:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706dallasobserver 
 
Spring News/Spring Observer:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706springobserver 
 
Houston Press:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706houstonpress 

Keep Austin Nursing in Public:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706-741KANIPB-I

New York Daily News (quotes Rep. Farrar):
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RNYDailyNews 
 
CBS DFW:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RCBSDFW 
       posted to Facebook but not as a timeline photo:

https://www.facebook.com/CBSDFW
 
KDFW Fox 4 interview w/ Jennifer Jurek Land:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RFoxDFW
       and their Facebook post:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RFoxDFWfb
 
Mail Online (we're told this is a tabloid, & it is inaccurate on several things):

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RMailOnline   
 
KPRC Houston Channel 2 interview w/ Michelle Hickman:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RKPRC 
       and their Facebook post: 

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RKPRCfb 
 
ABC13 in Houston's interview w/ Michelle Hickman & Brittany Warfield:

http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RABC13
    and the 6pm coverage: 
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RABC136pm
       and their Facebook post on it: 
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RABC13fb 
 
KEYETV in Austin's Facebook Post linked to Riddle's post:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RKEYETVfb 
 
The Texas Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RTexasTribune


Progressive Parenting:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RProgressiveParenting 


AmyWest.co:
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RAmyWest-co 


Unlatched: 
http://tinyurl.com/hb1706RUnlatched