INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) — A statehouse press conference introduced legislation that would help newborn parents on Thursday. State Senators Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton) were joined by industry experts at the statehouse this morning to host the "Babies in the Budget" press conference. The meeting was held to promote support for two bills that are, as of Thursday, sitting in the State Senate. According to the Indiana General Assembly's website, Senate Bill 497 would allow newborn parents a $500 tax credit for that tax year. The assembly's website also said Senate Bill 115 establishes family leave programs. This would include 12 weeks of paid leave off of work for both mothers and fathers. CEO of Healthier Moms and Babies Paige Wilkins supports both bills. She says that this tax cut may mean 500 hundred dollars for baby supplies. Similarly, Wilkins says as of last year, 30% of women go back to work six weeks after they have a baby. That number may even dip to two to four weeks for some mothers. Indiana Republicans introduce bill to legalize recreational marijuana Wilkins said the new family leave would improve mothers' mental health, which could be lifesaving. "One of the leading causes of maternal death is suicide," Wilkins said. "Having moms go back to work for two or four weeks after they have a baby, just so they can keep a roof over their head, is criminal." Wilkins said Indiana ranks third in the nation for maternal mortality. She believes states with high maternal outcome rankings are due to legislation in place that supports parents. Wilkins said in order for Indiana to improve their maternal outcome ranking, legislation, like the newborn tax credits and paid family leave, must be approved. Both bills were proposed to the State Senate earlier this month. Approval may come anytime during this legislative session.