APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – A bipartisan bill introduced Tuesday aims to remove Wisconsin 5% sales tax on menstrual products.
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Representative Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) says this bill follows suit with other states’ legislation.
“32 other states have successfully signed bills into law to illuminate the unfair, regressive and discriminatory tax on these products,” Rep. Snodgrass said.
Snodgrass says the tax puts an unnecessary cost on those who rely on them every month, and these products are not a luxury.
“The selection of products is not optional; they are essential for health and hygiene and quality of life,” Rep. Snodgrass said.
Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Fox Crossing) echoed these statements in a statement to Local 5:
“Taxing menstrual products is a direct tax on being a woman. These items are essential, not optional, and it is time our tax code reflects that reality. By eliminating this ‘Pink Tax,’ we are standing up for fairness and delivering real relief to Wisconsin families. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan effort cross the finish line.”
The American Medical Association has classified menstrual products as essential for women’s health, and advocates say the current tax hurts Wisconsin’s residents.
“More than 11% of women in Wisconsin live in poverty, even a 5% tax can go from having what you need and going without,” Executive Director of Women’s Fund Fox Valley Region, Julie Keller, said.
Keller said the impact on students in schools all over Wisconsin is evident.
“This is especially clear for students; the lack of affordable menstrual products contributes to missing school days and a lack of participation,” Keller said. “84% of young mentators report knowing someone who has missed class because they did not have access to period products.”
‘The Monthlies Project’ provides free menstrual products to schools across the Appleton Area School District.
District leaders said that having access to menstrual products helps students stay in school.
“The impact is huge,” Julie Bargholtz, the Appleton Area School District’s Family and Engagement Coordinator, said. “We know if students leave school, they aren’t coming back. If we have those products in-house, it prevents them from having attendance issues.”
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Leaders at the school district say this bill will positively impact students and families.
“Our families are challenged with the price of some of these items, which creates a huge barrier for our students,” Bargholtz said. “If the cost is less, it gives them a better opportunity to purchase these products.”
