SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner held a press conference Tuesday to introduce two measures that would support new mothers when it comes to feeding their babies.

“Working mothers are constantly juggling to find balance to provide for their children not only financially, but also emotionally and nutritionally,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure will support working mothers by providing them time to breastfeed their baby during the work day without having to risk their economic interests.”

Fine’s measure, Senate Bill 212, would require employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time to nursing mothers so they may express or "pump" breast milk for their child. Under current law, employers are required to provide a reasonable amount of time to nursing mothers to pump breast milk during the day. However, there’s no requirement that it be paid time and reasonable is not defined.

The Turner-led measure, Senate Bill 206, would require Medicaid to provide hypoallergenic formula when prescribed by a physician. Currently, Illinois' Women, Infants and Children program allows only certain infant formulas to be purchased using WIC funds, including one hypoallergenic option.

“New mothers face a number of challenges and one of them shouldn’t be access to formula that keeps their baby healthy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By expanding Medicaid to include hypoallergenic formula, we are ensuring families get a fair chance at a healthy life, no matter their income.”

Senate Bill 212 is assigned to the Senate Labor Committee. Senate Bill 206 is assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.