50 signatures reached
To: Robyn Vining, Sara Rodriguez, Tony Evers
Stop the Tax on Period Products in Wisconsin
According to Worldbank.org, around 800 million people menstruate everyday, yet menstruation products are seen as a non-essential item in the eyes of our state government. More than twenty states have made the change to tax free period products, but Wisconsin is not one of these and continues to apply the standard sales tax of 5% to purchases. These personal hygiene products which are claimed to be non-essential have a large impact on the community.
The expense of paying for just one box of pads may appear to be low, but overtime purchasing these items every month adds up. Menstruators who are unable to afford these products can suffer from unsanitary habits that can worsen over time. Some are forced to stay at home to try and take care of their period and may miss critical work or school time. If our government fails to resolve this issue, the cycle of period poverty will continue. Eliminating, or at least reducing, the tax on period products will not only decrease the price, but be a step in the right direction to help end period poverty and provide more support for menstruation rights.
We are challenging Wisconsin legislators and Governor Tony Evers to reassess the 2021 Assembly Bill 680 and/or create a similar bill to restructure taxes for the sales of diapers, undergarments, tampons, and sanitary napkins to better serve the citizens of our State. We are calling for these products to be tax exempt, but would support a tax rate decrease from 5% down to 2%.
The expense of paying for just one box of pads may appear to be low, but overtime purchasing these items every month adds up. Menstruators who are unable to afford these products can suffer from unsanitary habits that can worsen over time. Some are forced to stay at home to try and take care of their period and may miss critical work or school time. If our government fails to resolve this issue, the cycle of period poverty will continue. Eliminating, or at least reducing, the tax on period products will not only decrease the price, but be a step in the right direction to help end period poverty and provide more support for menstruation rights.
We are challenging Wisconsin legislators and Governor Tony Evers to reassess the 2021 Assembly Bill 680 and/or create a similar bill to restructure taxes for the sales of diapers, undergarments, tampons, and sanitary napkins to better serve the citizens of our State. We are calling for these products to be tax exempt, but would support a tax rate decrease from 5% down to 2%.
Why is this important?
Lawmakers are responsible for addressing the issues facing their constituents. They are more likely to respond when more of their constituents are in agreement and voice support in support of an issue.