Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Policy Updates, USBC Conference Spotlight, & more

In this issue:

• USBC Updates
  • USBC Conference Session Spotlight: The Journey of the PUMP Act Coalition
  • Lactation Support Provider Descriptor Table Updated
  • Popsugar Article on Benefits of Breastfeeding Quotes USBC National Policy Director
  • USBC Breastfeeding Policy Map Features Proposed Bills and Regulations Related to Infant Feeding
• National News
  • Updated Recommendation on Breastfeeding and HIV
  • FAA Reauthorization Signed Into Law with Provision on Lactating Flight Crew
  • Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Update
  • Report on Labor Market Policies for Racial Equity
• State & Community News
  • Arkansas Bill Providing Funding for Courthouse Lactation Facilities Signed Into Law
  • Georgia Bill Expanding Paid Parental Leave Signed Into Law
  • North Carolina Working Families Act Introduced
• Action Opportunities
• Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• News & Views
• Journal Publications

 denotes a USBC member organization news item        denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

USBC Conference Session Spotlight: The Journey of the PUMP Act Coalition

The 2024 USBC National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening is almost here! In less than two weeks, on Monday, June 3, we'll be kicking off our three-day annual conference with an exciting keynote address by Montrece McNeill Ransom, followed by a series of rich and engaging plenary sessions thoughtfully designed for the First Food field and beyond. One session, "From Need to Law: The Journey of the PUMP Act Coalition," will delve into the remarkable journey, legislative process, and coalition effort that led to the passage of the PUMP Act. From identifying a pressing need to championing a groundbreaking law, this session offers a behind-the-scenes exploration of the coalition's tireless efforts.

Learn more about the event, pricing, and marketing opportunities by visiting the 2024 Conference webpage. The deadline to submit an application for Conference Marketing Opportunities is Friday, May 24. 

 Lactation Support Provider Descriptor Table Updated

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee-affiliated Lactation Support Provider Constellation published an updated version of the Lactation Support Provider Descriptor Table. The collaboratively-developed resource briefly outlines the descriptions, training, credentials, and programs available for becoming a lactation support provider.

Popsugar Article on Benefits of Breastfeeding Quotes USBC National Policy Director

Popsugar published "The 7 Biggest Benefits of Breastfeeding, According to Experts." The article discusses breastfeeding benefits for both babies and lactating parents and features a quote from USBC National Policy Director, Cheryl Lebedevitch.

USBC Breastfeeding Policy Map Features Proposed Bills and Regulations Related to Infant Feeding

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee hosts the Breastfeeding Policy Map, a resource to help the lactation field monitor federal and state policy proposals — bills and regulations that have been introduced this session but not yet passed. Updated weekly to reflect proposals with the potential to impact infant feeding and/or the lactation field, the map is a great way to keep tabs on the policy efforts happening in your state. The policies included on the map are curated from government sources, allowing the lactation field to quickly and proactively scan the policy landscape to stay informed about policy opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends. Simply select a state or issue area to view relevant bills and regulations, including bill status, most recent action, and a link to the full text.

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National News

 Updated Recommendation on Breastfeeding and HIV

The American Academy of Pediatrics released "Infant Feeding for Persons Living With and at Risk for HIV in the United States: Clinical Report." In this clinical report, the AAP reverses its decades-old position on HIV-positive mothers breastfeeding their infants and states that mothers with HIV can breastfeed if they follow certain guidelines with support from their medical care team. Media highlights include:

• AP: "US pediatricians reverse decades-old advice against HIV-positive mothers breastfeeding"
• CNN: "Moms with HIV can breastfeed if taking treatment and virus is undetectable, pediatricians’ group says"
• HealthyChildren.org: "Breastfeeding for People with HIV: AAP Policy Explained"
• U.S. News: "In a Shift, Pediatricians' Group Says Breastfeeding Safe When HIV-Positive Mom Is Properly Treated"

FAA Reauthorization Signed Into Law with Provision on Lactating Flight Crew

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed and the President signed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R.3935) into law. This legislation reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through fiscal year 2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. The law includes a provision that requires the Administrator of the FAA to issue guidance to air carriers relating to the expression of breast milk by crewmembers on an aircraft during non-critical phases of flight.

Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Update

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole previewed interim subcommittee allocations for Fiscal Year 2025 with Committee Members. These allocations, referred to as 302(b) allocations, establish the cap on spending for each of the twelve appropriations bills. The proposed allocations include a 6% funding cut to non-defense programs. Chairman Cole also released the markup schedule for Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bills. The Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill markup is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, and the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill markup is scheduled for Thursday, June 27. 

USBC Insight: Each year funding is allocated to a variety of federally funded programs that include breastfeeding support through the federal appropriations process. Appropriations for breastfeeding have helped build and strengthen critical programs and initiatives to improve maternity care practices, increase access to peer & professional support, ensure continuity of breastfeeding care, increase support for breastfeeding employees, and address disparities in breastfeeding rates. It's crucial that committee members hear about the importance of investing in breastfeeding across the coming weeks. Organizations and businesses are invited to sign on to the joint letter urging Congress to increase funding for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program and individuals are encouraged to contact their legislators directly with the USBC action tool. 

Report on Labor Market Policies for Racial Equity

The Urban Institute released the "Labor Market Policies for Racial Equity" research report. The report reviews how historical and contemporary policy choices in the U.S. have contributed to racial disparities in the labor market. The report outlines a set of policy changes, including paid leave programs, that are key to building an economy in which Black workers can attain better labor market outcomes.

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State & Community News

Arkansas Bill Providing Funding for Courthouse Lactation Facilities Signed Into Law

Arkansas Governor Huckabee Sanders signed Arkansas Senate Bill 81 into law. The law appropriates funds to be used for the construction, maintenance, renovation, equipping, or purchase of lactation facilities for Arkansas Courthouses.

Georgia Bill Expanding Paid Parental Leave Signed Into Law

Georgia Governor Kemp signed Georgia House Bill 1010 into law. The law extends paid parental leave for state and public school employees from three weeks to six weeks. 

North Carolina Working Families Act Introduced

A group of North Carolina senators introduced the North Carolina Working Families Act. The bill includes a range of provisions to support working families, including the North Carolina Paid Family Leave Insurance Act, which would establish a state paid family and medical leave program providing up to eighteen weeks of paid leave. 

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Action Opportunities

Equal Pay Today: "Protect workers and their families! YES on the FAMILY Act!"

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Funding Opportunities

Health Resources and Services Administration: "Center for Maternal and Child Health Medicaid Partnerships." Application deadline: Wednesday, July 10.

Native Voices Rising: "Native Voices Rising 2024 Grant Cycle: Empowering Native-Led Solutions." Application deadline: Friday, June 28.

Pearl Milling Company: "P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Grant." Application deadline: Wednesday, June 26.

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Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 30:

• National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers: "NCIT Family and Community Engagement Peer Group - May Meeting"

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News & Views

Bipartisan Policy Center: "Bipartisan Momentum on Paid Family Leave Policy in the 118th Congress"

 Breastfeeding Family-Friendly Communities:

• "Bridging Community-Based Initiatives and Reproductive Justice"
• "Embracing Diversity: Elevating the Lactation Journey of All Parents with Disabilities in Health Initiatives"
• "Embracing Inclusivity: The Benefits of Becoming a Family-Friendly Establishment"
• "Rapid Changes to Thoughtful Progress: The Evolution of Breastfeeding Advocacy in Durham"

Bridge: "Gretchen Whitmer to moms: Paid leave, day care would help the Michigan economy"

 California Breastfeeding Coalition: "California Lactation Rights - A Series: Additional Lactation Accommodation Rights (1)"

California Budget & Policy Center: "Strengthening California's Paid Leave Benefits"

CBS News: "More US parents than ever have paid leave this Mother's Day - but most still don't"

National Partnership on Women & Families: "Why Women Need the U.S. Department of Labor’s Independent Contractor Rule"

Newsweek: "Paid Maternity Leave Isn't US Law—But It's a Priority at These Companies"

Paid Family Leave Working Group: "Legislative Framework"

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Journal Publications

Journey of Perinatology: "Implementation of a clinically integrated breastfeeding peer counselor program"