Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Now in Effect

New workplace accommodations for pregnant people have taken effect nationally, requiring employers to provide reasonable adjustments. The regulations include changes to work schedules, additional breaks, modified duties, and temporary role transfers. They also mandate private spaces and break times for expressing milk. The aim is to support pregnant workers, promote equality, and prevent discrimination in the workplace.

USDA has resumed publishing data on State SNAP Administration, revealing an increase in rates of over- and under-payment of benefits. The data includes error rates resulting from pandemic-related flexibilities that strained state agencies during high demand for nutrition assistance. Although these flexibilities have been phased out, many agencies still face administration challenges due to low staffing. Concerns have been raised that administration errors might be mistakenly associated with program fraud, potentially overshadowing SNAP's effectiveness in supporting families during the ongoing Farm Bill process.

Towards the end of June, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Agriculture Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, providing $6.3 billion in new funding for WIC. The bill maintains current levels for the Cash Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables. This aligns with President Biden's budget proposal and supports projected caseloads. The Senate bill differs from the House Republican proposal, which offers $800 million less for WIC. The Senate intends to advance all fiscal year 2024 spending bills for a full Senate vote in the summer.

Governor Newsom has signed a $310 billion budget deal negotiated with legislative leaders for California's fiscal year 2024. The agreement protects core programs and covers a deficit of over $30 billion without touching key reserves. It includes increased spending on education, healthcare (including increases for Medi-Cal providers), and housing, tax cuts for small businesses, and investments in wildfire prevention and infrastructure projects. The deal also addresses social services, climate programs, and provides relief for communities affected by storms and flooding.

Robert Rivas has been sworn in as the next speaker of the California Assembly. Rivas, a Salinas Democrat, has a similar ideological profile to his predecessor, Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, and we can likely expect a continuation of Assembly Democrats' priorities. Rivas has promised an inclusive decision-making process and a more intentional legislative agenda. His tenure may bring closer collaboration with Governor Gavin Newsom. Rivas, raised in farmworker housing, brings a fresh outlook to the role and is expected to advocate for agricultural communities and underrepresented groups.

WIC Walks Sizzling Summer Challenge!

We all know that WIC staff talk to the talk when it comes to health and fitness, but do you and your colleagues need a little extra motivation to walk the walk? Join us in July for the WIC Walks Sizzling Summer Challenge. Share this flier with your staff. You can sign up by sending your team name, agency, and the names and emails of all team members to Vanessa. We will be using the Pacer for Teams App for this challenge. 

Be a Part of our Annual Conference Planning Committee!

Interested in helping to plan the 32^nd CWA Virtual Conference in 2024? We welcome California WIC staff and community partners. The commitment averages about 30 minutes to one hour every other week from mid-July – late-November. We ask each planning committee member to moderate at least one session at the conference (but you are welcome to do more). In return, we waive the conference fee for all committee members. If you are interested, let Jodi know at jmulliganpfile@calwic.org. 

The largest study of any in the nation, took an in-depth look at the factors which lead to loss of a home and the experience of being unsheltered in California. 



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A study that examined data from over 40,000 households and found that SNAP participation was associated with a decrease in racial disparities in food security. The findings highlight the importance of SNAP in addressing racial inequalities and improving food security for vulnerable populations. 

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A survey by Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital emphasizes the influence of fathers in decisions around breastfeeding and safe sleep practices .



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Recent research indicates a worsening trend in maternal mortality for some groups and persistently high for others. 



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More states are legalizing unpasteurized milk, against public health recommendations. Raw or unpasteurized milk is legal in CA.



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Breastfeeding initiation was linked to lower post-perinatal infant mortality in a study analyzing data from nearly 10 million infants born in the U.S. between 2016 and 2018. The study highlights the importance of promoting and supporting breastfeeding as a strategy to reduce infant mortality in the country.



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