NFWL Chair Senator Donna Kim speaks to the group of Advancing Justice attendees about how she will keep criminal justice reform as a top priority for NFWL. 

For a few days this February, Republicans and Democrats from across the country gathered in Florida to discuss critical issues surrounding criminal justice reform. The Advancing Justice summit brought together the National Conference of State Legislators in partnership with Americans for Prosperity, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, the American Legislative Exchange Council, the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislatures, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, with support from Stand Together, for this historic event.

Attendees were able to learn how legislators and state and federal officials are teaming up with local nonprofits, business leaders, educational institutions and other stakeholders to reduce recidivism and build up their communities; explore criminal justice reform policy options and develop state-specific strategies to build consensus around a balanced justice system; and connect with peers, policy experts and community stakeholders.

If you have worked on these issues, please share your legislation here.

Download and decorate your own copy of a “Flat Susan B.” to take a photo with in honor of the centennial of the 19th Amendment! Take her to museums, classrooms, or historic sites as you celebrate the history of the fight for women’s right to vote. 

Did you know most states apply sales tax to breast pumps, yet nearly every state exempts infant formula from tax? This tax disparity between pumps and formula isn’t just unfair, but it also encourages moms to formula feed instead of breastfeed. Exempting these products is a simple and cost effective way for states to support access to breastfeeding. What’s more, it may even save states money in the long run. Breast pumps are basic necessities for breastfeeding mothers, especially for working moms that have returned to the workforce and have chosen to breastfeed beyond the initial maternity leave period (or for those who have little or no maternity leave). Additionally, there are various other health-related reasons that a mom wanting to breastfeed may require a pump — such as when infants are premature and have to spend time in the NICU, or if they are unable to latch. While insurance coverage of pumps has expanded in recent years, that doesn’t stop sales tax from being due.The fix is simple: states should fully exempt breast pumps and supplies from sales tax.

A qualified exemption (such as requiring a prescription or proving “medical necessity”) is insufficient. Breast pumps and supplies should be exempt from sales tax without restriction. Period. Anything else is unfair to moms who want to breastfeed.This simple and straightforward fix will make it easier and more affordable for moms to access the tools they need to continue breastfeeding. It will also ultimately increase the types of pumps available through insurance.At the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ annual conference, NFWL unanimously voted to adopt a resolution supporting this tax exemption. We thank NFWL for this valuable support, and we hope we can partner with elected women in states across the country to advance this issue and make breastfeeding more accessible to all mothers and moms-to-be.

If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our website or email Liz Malm at lmalm@parityforpumps.com

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