· May 18, 2012

On the agenda: anti-women legislators to take a week off

Looks like women get a respite from the ongoing attacks next week at the Ohio Statehouse. Committee schedules have started arriving in mailboxes, and we like what we see so far. Only one piece of legislation affecting women is currently scheduled to get a hearing next week, indicating lawmakers are taking a break from the rapid pace with which they’ve been moving anti-women legislation. Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 (Breastfeeding Policies), sponsored by Senator Charleta Tavares, states the wishes of the General Assembly to “encourage hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to adopt policies and procedures that promote breastfeeding.” Senator Tavares will testify in support of SCR 21 in the Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee on Wednesday, May 23 at 2:30 p.m. The committee meets in the South Hearing Room of the Senate building. Meanwhile, the House Health and Aging Committee released its schedule for next week and notably absent is HB 298, legislation that would block funding from Planned Parenthood. That bill popped up this week after having been dormant since February. We’re encouraged that the GOP appears to be taking its foot off the gas and slowing down this mean-spirited legislation that removes a vital source of health care services for women. Follow us on Twitter (@OhioWomensWatch) or visit our Facebook page for the latest.