September 28, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

We are still waiting for the Governor?s signature on our bills AB 513 and SB 257. He has until October 11 to either sign the measures into law, let the bills become law without his signature or veto the bills. If you have not yet sent a letter in support, please send one as soon as possible. We need to have our bill files full of support letters!

ACTION:

We need you to send 2 letters to Governor Schwarzenegger requesting that he sign AB 513 and SB 257 into law.

AB 513 (de Le?/span>n-Healthcare Coverage/Breastfeeding)

See the sample letter here. Please fax your letter of support to the Governor as soon as possible.

AB 513 seeks improved support for breastfeeding by requiring health care service plans and health insurers to include coverage for:

• lactation consultation by an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• the provision of quality breast pumps, as part of their health care service plans or insurance policies that provide maternity coverage.

To read the bill or check on the status go to: www.sen.ca.gov , click Legislation, put in the bill number and select Status.

ACTION:

See the sample letter here. Please fax your letter of support to the Governor as soon as possible.

SB 257 (Pavley-Employee Notification/Lactation Accommodation)

SB 257 bill would require every state agency and department, through their existing channels of communication, to notify female employees nearing maternity leave of the current lactation accommodation law. The bill is necessary because we know that not all agencies and departments in CA are getting this important information out to their employees.

To read the bill or check on the status go to: www.sen.ca.gov , click Legislation, put in the bill number and select Status.

All your calls, letters, and visits in support of AB 513 and SB 257 have been effective, really helped bolster the bills and bring an awareness of  the importance of breastfeeding. Thank you for all your support!