Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009

Time to get politically active folks… the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 was introduced in Congress on June 11 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). So what will the bill do? Here’s Maloney’s press release:
“This bill will bring breastfeeding mothers under the protection of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, require employers with over 50 employees to provide a private space and unpaid time off during the workday for mothers to express milk, and sets standards for breast pump manufacture. It also provides for tax incentives for employers that establish private lactation areas in the workplace and tax credits for nursing mothers,” said Maloney.
And here’s more information, including a link to the bill on Maloney’s website.
So how can you get involved? Here’s an email tool from the United States Breastfeeding Committee. Use it to automatically send emails to your representatives and senators asking them to co-sponsor the bill.
Angela of Breastfeeding 123 has started a Facebook group to help spread the word. And she has a letter you can mail or fax to ask your state representatives and senators to co-sponsor the bill.
This is the fifth time the bill has been up for consideration, so it’s time get it passed!