Representative Andy Kerr passes Bill out of House

State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) is helping new moms return to the workplace and continue doing the best thing to keep their babies healthy. Making sure that mothers have the time and space available to them to express breast milk is one step closer to becoming a reality after a vote today, thanks to House Bill 1276 which is sponsored by Rep. Kerr.

Many in the health community have long recognized the importance of breast milk in establishing a healthy future for babies. Doctors recommended that all babies are breastfed for a minimum of six months and preferably for one year.

However, returning to work is one of the main barriers that mothers cite in discontinuing nursing. Many mothers from diverse industries testified in support of the bill Thursday. They shared stories about barriers to nursing experienced in the workplace.

The bill would make sure business create reasonable accommodations in workplaces for the time and space for nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump their breast milk.

"Typically, the reason that mothers miss work is to stay home with sick children. This is the right thing for moms, for healthy babies and for a productive workplace," Rep. Kerr stated.

Businesses recognize the value of healthy children and how that increases the morale and productivity of working mothers.

The House supported the bill today with a final vote of 59 to 6. It now makes its way to the Senate for consideration.