WILX News 10's Faith Miller reports on new legislation (SB 897, SB 898) in Michigan aimed at ending the so-called "tampon tax." The measures, sponsored by state Sens. David Knezek (D) and Rebekah Warren (D), are currently before the state Senate Finance Committee.
While "Michigan doesn't require you to pay taxes for things you need to live, like groceries and medicine," Miller explains, tampons are currently classified as an "optional luxury item," meaning they are subject to sales tax. According to Miller, the new bills "would exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax because they are medically necessary." Knezek states, "I think this is a great way to… talk about an issue that for a long time people have been uncomfortable talking about, and to do so in a way that benefits the women of Michigan."
Melody Angel, a physician at Lansing Urgent Care, voiced support for the legislation, noting that the luxury tax is one "important, but unspoken way, in which we often make women feel like they are less than the next person" (Miller, WILX News 10, 4/14).


