Kevin De Leon is swell.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/BA2S165E34.DTL&hw=lactating&sn=001&sc=1000

Bill boosts required help for lactating moms
Wyatt Buchanan
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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A Los Angeles Assemblyman has introduced legislation that would require 30-minute work rest breaks for mothers who are extracting milk for babies, and require insurance companies to include coverage for lactation training and rentals of breast pumps.

Democrat Kevin De Leon said he was concerned that breastfeeding mothers who work do not have sufficient time or resources to extract milk and thus could give up on breastfeeding altogether.

"Working mothers shouldn't have to choose between earning a living and breastfeeding their baby," he said, flanked by mothers and breastfeeding advocates at a news conference Wednesday.

But it so happens that California already has a law on its books requiring employers to give lactating mothers "a reasonable amount of break time ... to extract milk." The assemblyman said his legislation is necessary because the state Department of Industrial Relations has not followed through in creating regulations to enforce that 2001 law.

"I have to disagree with that," said Erika Monterroza, spokeswoman for the department. She said it has taken action: The department fined International Security Services of Santa Clara $4,000 last year for not providing an adequate room for a mother to express milk. It was the first complaint the agency received.

"If anyone is having difficulty in either getting break time or a location they need to let the labor commission office know so we can assist and continue to make that protection strong," she said.

This article appeared on page B - 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle