SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State Senate Democrats filed a bill that would make all employers give at least 30 minutes of paid break time for nursing mothers to feed their children.

This would be additional paid break time and wouldn't conflict with any other paid break such as lunchtime.

State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) said when she was nursing her children at work, it was a struggle to find the time and she didn't want the future generation of moms to feel the same.

"When you're a new mom and you're tired, you're emotional and you're getting back to work, for me we did not have that break to take care of my child," Fine said. 

"We want to make easier and smoother for future generations. Women causes are front and center cause we're saying that this is what impacted us, how can we improve it for future generations."

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) was alongside Fine with her own nursing mothers bill. The plan would cover hypoallergenic formula under Medicaid if it has been prescribed by a physician.

Moms may have to pay out of pocket if their child needs hypoallergenic formula, which Turner said one of her constituents had to pay $60 for three days worth of the formula.

"You can imagine the strain that would put on your budget," Turner said. "We are ensuring that families get a fair chance at a healthy life regardless of their income."

A mom from Springfield who's nursing her second baby joined the press conference alongside the Senate Democrats. She said she was so excited about the two new bills.

"I'm like oh I get more time so I can actually feed my child that is so wonderful," CheVaughn Starling-Jones said. 

Both plans have been sent to committee, where lawmakers could talk about them later this month.

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