SB 2017-075: Baby Box Act (Passed)

[Associate Justice PiT]

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     Sponsor: Scott

     I hereby open the floor for debate.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

This was sponsored on behalf of a constituent.  I was pleased to sponsor this legislation, as the program outlined in this bill mirrors an old tradition in Finland, in which the state would provide expectant mothers with boxes that contained the items listed in this bill.  Finland was a poor country with high infant mortality at the time their government adopted this policy, but these figures improved rapidly over time, and it has been credited for Finland having one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world.

I will give Clyde the opportunity to advocate for this on his own behalf if he so chooses.

[Clyde1998]

I thank the Senator for his sponsorship and support of this bill.

Baby Boxes provide families with the basic necessities for their child in the most important time in their development - most notably, the box itself can be used as a crib for the child. The scheme helps reduce the cost of childcare for parents, a particular help to the poorest in our society.

As the Senator says, the main purpose of the scheme is to help reduce infant mortality. Unfortunately, Atlasia has the fifth highest infant mortality rate among OECD countries and places just above Bosnia and Herzegovina in the global rankings. Finland, the inventors of the baby box, has the sixth lowest globally. While the box can't be accredited for this alone, it's a major component of Finland's healthcare and welfare system.

I believe that this scheme will be of major benefit to Atlasia and would start a decline in infant mortality rates across the country.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

As far as I'm concerned, this is an extremely agreeable piece of legislation. It is criminal to think that newborn babies will go without basic necessities simply because their mother, parents, or guardian(s) cannot afford to provide them with those necessities. This addresses that issue in a responsible way that will have palpable results.

[LLR]

This is a necessary piece of legislation that I see no issues with

[Associate Justice PiT]

     I would like to propose an amendment:

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     Since you can become a parent without anyone teaching you how, this seems like it would be useful. Amendment is awaiting sponsor feedback.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Amendment is friendly.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

I'm going to amend this as well.  Just one small change.

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[Associate Justice PiT]

     I concur, giving figures in dollars is a good idea.

[Enduro]

Does this have to be a government thing? Can't the sponsor create an in game charity?

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Does this have to be a government thing? Can't the sponsor create an in game charity?

If this is going to be a universal benefit, a charity probably wouldn't fulfill that.

[Associate Justice PiT]

Does this have to be a government thing? Can't the sponsor create an in game charity?

If this is going to be a universal benefit, a charity probably wouldn't fulfill that.

     Given the amount that we are budgeting, a billionaire could definitely donate enough to make this happen and I would really like the idea. At the same time, we don't exactly join the Senate to set up charities.

[Clyde1998]

I'm very happy with the amendments that the Senate has made to this bill and I hope that Senators will support this bill when it comes to a final vote.

[Tricks33]

I support this as a citizen. I'm so happy to see that the box will by law have to be a certain size!
(really i do support this)

[Associate Justice PiT]

     If there are no more comments, I can open the final vote in 24 hours.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

     If there are no more comments, I can open the final vote in 24 hours.

Motioned.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     A final vote is now open on this bill. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Aye.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Aye

[LLR]

Aye

[Donerail]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

     Aye. This bill has enough votes to pass. Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.

[Anna Komnene]

Aye

[Associate Justice PiT]

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