County Legislature Democrats have submitted legislation that they say would encourage new mothers to continue breastfeeding after they return to their county jobs.Â
Sponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Carrie Andrews, the legislation would designate specific rooms in most county-owned buildings for employees and the public to breastfeed or pump. The rooms would have locks, an electrical outlet, and chairs.
The measure would benefit county employees, Andrews said during a press conference this morning, as well as members of the public who have to wait in county facilities such as the Department of Human Services.Â
Under existing law, the county must provide space for employees who want to breastfeed or pump, but only on an as-needed basis. And the county does appear to follow the law, Andrews said. But a dedicated room would be more encouraging, she said.
“We certainly have an opportunity to do more here,” she said.
City Hall has a designated breastfeeding room, and many private companies — Kodak and Paychex included — also have them, she said.
Andrews has introduced similar legislation in the past, and it was promptly dismissed by the Legislature president. This time, her proposal was has been sent to the Legislature’s Agenda/Charter Committee, which meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2014.
For God’s sake !!! What is next ? A private room with a lock to get ones’ self pregnant ? Can’t Carrie find something better to provide in services to Monroe County Employees ? I thought I had heard and seen most things but this seems to be one of the most unimportant issues that I have read about in years.
I have felt for a long time that the Republican majority ignored the minority party , frequently without good reason. However, if this is the most consequential thing the Dems can propose, when the county already provides facilities on an as needed basis, then there is no reason for the Reps to pay attention to the Dems. Andrews is simply not a serious representative.
Ms. Andrews proposed banning guns from the county office building, even though legislation already existed banning them, she stonewalled the MCC move and the Mayor delivered votes to hang her out.
Given her penchant for lack of research, political posturing, and being inept, this piece of legislation appears to be brilliant compared to her other moves!
But, then again, as an employee of NYSUT, why would we expect substance ? They have failed our children, demand more money every year, and are oblivious to everything around them as well.
The county does not provide rooms on an as needed basis. With working women being the majority of the workforce, and breastfeeding support in the workplace being a law since 2007, it is about time someone makes sure this happens. I wouldn’t expect that men would necessarily understand the need, but luckily someone does. breastfeeding is a public health concern that, if taken more seriously by people in the position of power, could save this country billions of dollars.
I am sympathetic to the plight of the county Democrats but heavens sakes. A designated room for breast feeding. How about a job package? How about health care? Is THIS the sort of rubbish Carrie would enact if she was Majority Leader? Gee I wonder why the Democrats in the Leg don’t get more legislation passed.