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The bill, which
would add tampons, sanitary napkins and other menstrual products
to a list of necessities like food and prescription medicines
that are not taxed, won unanimous support in the state Assembly
on Tuesday, Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia said.
"Fundamentally, this is about gender equity and leveling the
field," Garcia, who represents parts of suburban Los Angeles,
said in a news release. "Every month, for 40 years of our lives,
we are taxed for being born women."
At least 15 states have introduced legislation to repeal sales
taxes on menstrual products. New York repealed its tax in June,
joining Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New
Jersey.
The movement appeals to Republicans because it repeals a tax and
is favored by Democrats, who say it eliminates an unfair burden
on women.
"It's great to see both Democrats and Republicans coming
together on this important effort all across the country," said
Republican Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang, who represents the Los
Angeles suburb of Diamond Bar.
If Brown signs the bill, the state will lose about $20 million
in tax revenue, according to a legislative analysis.
(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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