Some States Seek to Abolish the Tampon-Tax

Ms. Magazine Blog (Feb. 19, 2016): Menstrual Products are Taxed in 40 States. Here's What You Can Buy Tax-Free, by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf: 

Public attention has recently focused on sales taxes on menstrual-health products across the country. Such taxes impact women disproportionately, and particularly poor women. Even President Obama commented on the issue last month when prompted by YouTube star, Ingrid Nilsen. Response to the issue has varied from state to state. 

Since January, there has been a flurry of activity in state houses across the country, with “Tampon Tax” bills introduced or resurrected in California, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Utah,Virginia and Wisconsin, most with bipartisan sponsorship. The City of Chicago introduced a comparable ordinance, along with a statement of approval from Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

While some argue that taxes cannot be lifted due to state budgetary concerns, all state tax codes already exempt some products from sales tax, including pop-tarts, garter belts, and snowmaking equipment. As such, state legislatures may opt to subsidize the basic health products for women in the United States.