http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/0822072.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 22, 2007

GOVERNOR SIGNS INTO LAW LEGISLATION PROTECTING RIGHTS OF NURSING
MOTHERS IN THE WORKPLACE

Governor Eliot Spitzer has signed into law legislation that protects
working mothers. ability to continue providing nutrient-rich breast
milk to their infants upon return to the workplace.

The legislation requires employers to provide uncompensated time, and
make a reasonable effort to provide private space for women to express
milk or nurse their children for a period of up to three years
following the birth of a child. In addition, it also bars an employer
from discriminating against an employee exercising this right.

"A woman should not be forced to sacrifice her ability to provide for
her children economically or nutritionally," said Governor Spitzer.
"Employers know the merit of retaining valuable employees, and this
modest accommodation allows mothers who chose to breast feed to
continue their invaluable contribution to the economy without fearing
for their job."

The Assembly and the Senate unanimously approved this legislation.

Assemblywoman Roann Destito, sponsor of the legislation, said: "This
new law is a major victory for all New York families as well as
employers because it protects a mother's care for her child and
strengthens her ability to be a dedicated employee. A young mother was
fired in my district for expressing breast milk for her child. That
will not happen again because today we recognize that all women may
choose to work and that their children will have the best nutritional
care available at the early stages of life."

Senator John J. Flanagan, sponsor of the legislation, said: "Where our
current labor laws fail to protect individuals in the workplace, the
government has a responsibility to step in and correct these
deficiencies. More and more mothers are choosing to work outside the
home or are being forced to return to work to make ends meet. This
critically important legislation will enable these mothers to raise
and provide for their families in an accepting workplace environment
without fear of discrimination."

Kate Kahan, Director of Work & Family at the National Partnership for
Women & Families, said: "This bill is an important, welcome step in
making New York's workplaces more family-friendly. We have known for
years that breast feeding has real benefits, but too many working
women are unable to nurse their babies because their employers do not
make simple accommodations. That will change for countless working
moms in New York as a result of this law, and their children will be
stronger and healthier as a result. We thank Governor Spitzer and
every lawmaker and advocate who supported and advanced this
legislation."

Liz Watson of the New York City Bar Association's Sex and Law
Committee said: "This law is a win-win for businesses and families.
Businesses win because employees who are new parents will miss work
less often and have lower health care costs because breastfed babies
are healthier. Families win because mothers will not have to quit
breastfeeding when they return to work. The New York City Bar
Association applauds Governor Spitzer, Senator Flanagan, Assemblywoman
Destito and the mothers around New York State for their work to pass
this important legislation that will benefit New York's children."

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