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Challenges and Solutions for Parents in State Legislatures

Following the unsuccessful attempt to enact a bipartisan measure facilitating proxy voting for new parents in Congress, some legislators are turning their attention to state-level initiatives aimed at accommodating younger women in governmental roles.

Republican Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who advocated for the congressional measure, expressed disappointment over reaching a compromise with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson that excluded proxy voting options.

While Congress lacks a precedent for such practices, there is optimism that state legislatures may adapt. Advocates emphasize that proxy voting could grant new mothers essential time for recovery and infant care, addressing pressing national concerns regarding childcare and family support.

“Our focus should be on championing family needs and supporting lawmakers who prioritize these issues,” stated Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan State Senator who experienced motherhood in office. “This matter transcends party lines.”

Proxy voting allows a legislator to cast a vote on behalf of an absent colleague, while states have also explored remote voting methods, where members can participate via phone or video calls.

State legislative sessions often extend late into the night, with long commutes adding to the challenges faced by lawmakers.

McMorrow, who took 12 weeks of maternity leave despite the absence of an official policy in 2021, believes that existing technology could facilitate distance voting. This flexibility would be beneficial not only for new mothers but also for members of the military and those encountering medical emergencies.

Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh noted that legislative structures often overlook the needs of women, recalling her own experience bringing her infant to work in 2019, which required her to advocate for a designated nursing room.f

Supporters of women’s representation in government warn that the demanding nature of lawmaking discourages many mothers from pursuing public roles. Currently, women hold only about a third of all state legislative positions across the country.

“We need representatives who resonate with the challenges faced by everyday American families,” remarked Liuba Grechen Shirley, the founder of Vote Mama, an organization dedicated to empowering mothers in political office.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, various states adopted remote voting, though many have since retracted these allowances. Some states, however, have retained more flexible voting practices.

The House chambers in Minnesota and Colorado permit remote participation under specific circumstances, such as health-related issues or childbirth, while Minnesota’s Senate allows it for any reason with leadership consent. Earlier this year, Virginia’s legislative leaders permitted a lawmaker to vote remotely after childbirth.

Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling of Virginia, currently on maternity leave, described the flexibility of remote voting as “invaluable,” expressing disappointment at Congress’s failure to adopt similar measures. “I am proud that we in Virginia stand firm with families and aim to show a better model for our federal counterparts,” she expressed in a recent statement.

Opponents of proxy voting, including Speaker Johnson, argue that in-person participation is crucial for effective lawmaking, with concerns that allowing remote options may lead to lawmakers missing sessions.

Johnson did agree to a long-standing practice in Congress known as a “pairing system,” where the vote of an absent member is offset by a present member’s vote. Arkansas has employed a similar approach in its legislature.

Federal policies have also influenced state practices; following an 2018 decision by the Federal Election Commission allowing congressional candidates to utilize campaign funding for childcare, 39 states have enacted similar provisions, according to data from Vote Mama.

“Ultimately, the lack of representation from mothers in office limits progress in implementing necessary changes,” Grechen Shirley stated.

Hawaii’s House Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto recounted her denial of a remote voting request after giving birth in late 2019. The pandemic prompted the legislature to transition to remote operations temporarily, showcasing the potential for flexible mechanisms.

Matsumoto, while acknowledging the necessity for remote participation, also emphasized the importance of establishing safeguards against potential misuse of such systems. “Given Hawaii’s geographic constraints, our needs may differ from those in states like Oklahoma,” she explained.

Many advocates also call for male lawmakers to be present with their families during childbirth.

Former Missouri State Representative Peter Merideth reflected on his own experiences juggling family emergencies during his tenure. While remote voting would not have alleviated all his challenges, he acknowledged its potential benefits. “In a crisis, I wouldn’t want representatives to have to choose between their duties and pressing family matters,” he concluded.

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abcnews.go.com