Representative Lisa Subeck Receives Breastfeeding Advocate Award for Introducing the Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act

April 11, 2016

MADISON – On Friday, The Breastfeeding Coalition of South Central Wisconsin presented their annual Breastfeeding Advocate Award to State Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison). The award honored Representative Subeck for her work to advance the Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act (AB 882). The bi-partisan Health Babies, Working Mothers bill would ensure nursing mothers do not face unnecessary barriers in the workplace. The bill would bring Wisconsin law in line with federal employment regulations regarding breastfeeding and provide additional accommodations to ensure that nursing mothers do not have to choose between breastfeeding and returning to work. The bill also ensures that nursing mothers who take unpaid breaks to express breast milk do not lose their health care coverage by counting any unpaid break time taken for that purpose toward meeting eligibility thresholds for employer sponsored health benefits.

“I was happy to introduce the Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act because no mother should have to choose between returning to work and making the healthiest choice for her baby and her family,” said Rep. Subeck. “It is an honor to be recognized by the Breastfeeding Coalition of South Central Wisconsin. I appreciate their work and look forward to reintroducing, and hopefully passing, the Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act next session.”

The Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act (AB 882) received bi-partisan support and was supported by several breastfeeding, women’s health, nutrition, and employment organizations. The bill was introduced in January of 2016 and received a public hearing in the Committee on Labor. Representative Subeck plans to reintroduce the bill during the next legislative session.

“The Breastfeeding Coalition of South Central Wisconsin was honored to present Representative Lisa Subeck with the 2016 Breastfeeding Advocate Award,” said Laurel Franczek, board member of the Breastfeeding Coalition of South Central Wisconsin. “She has been a strong and articulate advocate for employed breastfeeding mothers, working to make sure they do not have to choose between their jobs, health benefits, and breastfeeding their babies.” 

“I am pleased that the Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act received bipartisan support and a public hearing,” said Subeck. “Given the bill’s importance to families and its strong bi-partisan support, it is my sincere hope that we can pass this bill in the next legislative session. Working mothers and their babies need and deserve our support.”

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