Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to eliminate the sales tax on menstrual products, including tampons. The governor’s office tells us more:
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 5267, half of a bipartisan package to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, driving down costs and saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime. The governor will sign the second bill in the package tomorrow.
“After years of trying to repeal this tax, I am proud that we are bringing people together to put Michiganders first and drive down costs on these essential products,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden. Tomorrow, I will sign the second bill in the package to repeal this tax and cut costs for families as we usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”
“It has taken many years and many bill reintroductions by legislators old and new, but we have finally reached the finish line to repeal an unfair tax levied on those who menstruate,” said Senator Winnie Brinks. “I am proud to get legislation that I spearheaded for 6 years to Governor Whitmer’s desk, and grateful to have played a part in making these necessary products more affordable for Michiganders.”
“This legislation allows us to reduce taxes while improving public health by eliminating an unnecessary tax on very necessary items,” said Representative Bryan Posthumus. “In my view, this isn’t a gender issue or a partisan issue, this is about putting money back into the pockets of Michigan families – and we did that here.”
“Today, Michigan finally took a huge step forward in joining the ranks of states who have eliminated the “tampon tax,” said Senator Mallory McMorrow. “While it’s a small savings per purchase, those taxes have historically added up over a lifetime for one half of Michigan’s population, and not the other. It’s a small change with a big impact.”
“Ending the tampon tax is central to making period poverty a relic of the past,” said Representative Tenisha Yancey. “This victory is the culmination of a years’ long effort to treat women’s health seriously. I’m proud of all the hard work that has been done to push this vital package across the finish line — we could not have done it alone. Former State Rep. Sarah Roberts was a pioneer on this issue in 2016. I was proud we have been able to pick up that torch and see it through in 2021.”
“Eliminating the tampon tax has been a Democratic priority for years,” said Representative Padma Kuppa. “I am glad to be part of the team that saw it to the finish line to make these essential products more accessible and affordable for those who menstruate. I led the advocacy on this commonsense legislation alongside my House colleagues, including from across the aisle, as well as numerous stakeholders and student groups across the state.”
“I am so pleased to see the bipartisan support for these bills and thank you to everyone who worked so hard to carry this initiative across the finish line,” said Lysne Tait, Executive Director of Helping Women Period. “Menstruation doesn’t choose sides of the aisle, and it is heartening to finally see the repeal of this tax on essential medical items. The burden of this sales tax on necessary healthcare items promotes period poverty and impacts the amount of money families have to spend on other necessities. This is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to the day when no one has to worry about affording menstrual products, month after month.”
“The Michigan League for Public Policy applauds the signing of Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 5267 as a positive step for gender and economic equity and the political agreement to address it,” said Gilda Z. Jacobs, President and CEO, Michigan League for Public Policy Feminine. “Hygiene products like tampons and sanitary napkins are medically necessary products, and we should be looking at ways to make them more affordable and available for Michigan residents. Households that struggle to make ends meet should not have to make the difficult decision about whether to purchase menstrual products or pay for other necessities, like food, prescriptions or other medications, or diapers for a child. If a person does not have regular access to these medically necessary products, it can be dangerous, even life-threatening, as well as increase the stigma associated with menstruation, especially for our young teens.”
Over the course of a lifetime, the average menstruating Michigander has 456 periods, totaling 6.25 years, and uses 17,000 tampons or pads. Despite the necessity, expense, and frequency of need, Michiganders pay a 6 percent tax when they purchase tampons, pads, or other menstrual products.
The typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to between $3,360 and $4,800 over the course of a lifetime. Repealing the tax will drive down costs for millions of Michiganders.
