LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2021 — The House Tax Policy Committee voted today to approve House Bills 4270 and 5267, a bipartisan package that would amend the Use Tax Act and General Sales Tax Act to exempt tampons, maxi pads, reusable menstrual cups and other menstrual hygiene products from taxation.
“I am glad my colleagues see this issue as the public health crisis it is and agree that sanitary products are essential items that women cannot live without, including Michigan’s women,” said state Rep. Tenisha Yancey (D-Harper Woods), sponsor of HB 4270. “No one should have to pay more for any product tied to their health and well-being. I’m proud of all the hard work that has been done to push this vital package that much closer to the finish line, helping to end period poverty. I would like to personally thank former state Rep. Sarah Roberts for pioneering this issue in 2016.”
Currently, menstrual products are taxed 6% by sales and use taxes — leading to Michigan women paying millions annually in taxes for these sanitary items. Prescription drugs and other medical goods are exempt from sales and use taxes, but menstrual products are not, which is why House Democrats have introduced legislation year after year to repeal this unfair tax on medically necessary supplies.
“I am proud that our tireless work has finally paid off,” said state Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy), who recently testified before the committee in support of the legislation and championed the policy this term with her own bill, House Bill 4271. “With these bills making it through committee, we are that much closer as a state to eliminating this unjust tax, helping those struggling with period poverty and creating a more equitable world for women and girls. Now it’s time to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this essential legislation becomes law.”
After passing in the House Tax Policy Committee, the bipartisan package awaits a final House vote.