Target: Andrew Cuomo, New York Governor
Goal: Applaud that necessary menstrual products will no longer be subject to sexist taxes.
Menstrual products like tampons and pads will now be exempt from sales tax and local tax in New York, thanks in part to petitions like this one on ForceChange.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill making the products tax-exempt after it was passed by the State Legislature. The bill also exempts menstrual cups like the DivaCup and will cover any future menstrual product inventions. The tax is expected to save New Yorkers $10 million annually when purchasing pads and tampons.
The law has been a long time coming considering other products like condoms, bandages, and even Rogaine have been tax-exempt for being considered necessities. Until now, tampons and pads were considered luxuries. Any person with a period will tell you that having a menstrual cycle and paying for the products needed to deal with it is not a luxurious experience.
Since tampons and pads are products that are generally necessities used by women and people with periods, taxing them while making mens products that are definitely not necessities tax exempt is sexist and unjust. Taxing these products has been punishing women for what their bodies do by nature, on top of the shame and humiliation society places on them for having a period.
Although a majority of states still tax menstrual products, this is a huge win for the people of New York. Similar bills are being introduced around the country. The fight must continue to ensure people across the country are not subjected to this unjust tax.
Ten other states don’t tax menstrual products, however five of those states don’t have any sales tax at all. Governor Cuomo said that making these products tax exempt “…is a matter of social and economic justice.” Applaud that people in New York will no longer be forced to pay this discriminatory tax.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I’m writing to applaud you for recently signing a vital bill that makes tampons, pads, panty liners, menstrual cups and all future menstrual products tax-exempt. As you’ve stated, this bill has been a long time coming as people with periods have been punished for their biology and made to pay this unfair tax.
Issues like this are vital in ensuring equality and fair treatment for all people across the U.S. Although this is a major victory for New York, I hope that other states across the country will follow in your footsteps to eliminate this sexist tax and take steps forward in the fight for equality.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Torley
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