A Michigan Senate bill to remove sales tax from feminine hygiene products has progressed from the finance committee to the Senate, advancing a step closer to a vote and possibly an end to a long groaned over tax.
The bill was introduced by Sen. David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) and if it is signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, it will remove feminine hygiene products from a "luxury" item status, also known as a "use tax."
According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, other items that are taxed under this are off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, hotel rooms and purchases made by mail from other states and countries.
Currently, 40 states tax feminine hygiene products, according to a Newsweek article.
Michigan legislators are not alone in the effort to rid the tampon tax. Ohio has a bill in the House of Representatives to remove taxes from feminine hygiene products.
State Rep. Brian K. Elder (D-Bay City) said in a statement that removing this tax will "eliminate an unfair financial burden on the women of this state."
“I think it is an excellent idea because it is a necessity and it shouldn’t be taxed like a frivolous expense because it’s not," professional writing freshman Sarah Nowack said.
Civil engineering junior Sydney Waynick agreed.
"It’s not necessarily our fault that we were born a female and that we need to use those products," Waynick said. "The government making money off of us on our periods is kind of weird and unfair.”
Nowack explained that every month she has to budget approximately $30 in order to afford tampons and pads for the month.
"I dread the day I have to go buy tampons and pads because they’re so damn expensive, and I have to budget for that — it’s kind of ridiculous," Nowack said.
She also said she believes Senate Bill 92 becoming a law would be a step toward equality.
"For equality standards, what does that say about our society when we’re telling women that their necessities are frivolous and expensive extras? It seems so ridiculous to me, there shouldn’t be an expense on our necessities," Nowack said. "There’s not a tax on food … and we need that as much as we need to be safe and healthy.”
Human biology and English sophomore Kyana Smith said she hopes that the passage of the bill will also inspire other change.
“Sales tax is only 6 percent, so it’s not that huge of an increase but it’s a small step towards maybe making them available for all women without paying,” Smith said.
Smith went on to explain how important feminine hygiene products are to women.
"I think these products are necessary for women because we can’t just bleed all over the place." Smith said. "So I think it would be great to remove the sales tax.”
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