Rep. Kelly's provision to repeal the Pink Tax takes effect
COLUMBUS- State Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) announced the provision she sponsored in Senate Bill (SB) 26 to eliminate the Ohio sales taxes on menstrual hygiene products, commonly known as the Pink Tax, took effect on April 1st, 2020.
She released the following statement regarding the repeal:
“Individuals in our state who have periods will no longer have to pay the sales tax on these medically necessary products. This repeal helps to ensure that folks are better able to lead a healthful life, to regularly attend school, work or personal events, and to fully participate in their communities as they choose. No one should have to struggle financially because of their period.”
Anusha Singh, Policy Coordinator at PERIOD Inc., served as a community proponent of the bill. Regarding the Pink Tax repeal going into effect, Anusha stated:
“Periods do not pause for a pandemic. The emergency response to this pandemic has people stockpiling household items such as toilet paper, and even menstrual products. The virus exacerbates the issue of period poverty. However, the repeal of the pink tax in Ohio is a great first step in making access to menstrual products more equitable and affordable for Ohio women. My student organization, PERIOD at The Ohio State University, has been advocating for the repeal of the pink tax for nearly 2 years and this is a huge moment for the menstrual movement and in the fight for gender equality. We look forward to working with our legislators to continue to advocate for access to menstrual products in Ohio and fight period poverty."
According to the Legislative Service Commission, Ohio individuals previously gave the state nearly $4 million in annual taxes from purchasing menstrual hygiene products. Kelly previously sponsored legislation to eliminate the pink tax in the 132nd General Assembly, which passed the House before stalling in the Senate.