Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Thursday to repeal the state’s “tampon tax,” calling it a bipartisan move to help “every menstruating Michigander.”
“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,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden.”
The bill makes feminine hygiene products — including tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins and other similar items — exempt from the state’s six percent sales and use taxes.
“By repealing the tax on menstrual products, we are saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 in spending over the course of a lifetime,” Whitmer said.
Twenty other states have removed similar taxes, the governor also said.
Internationally, a growing list of countries have abolished the “tampon tax” on menstrual products.
Source: Aaron Parsley, “Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Eliminates State’s ‘Tampon Tax’: ‘The Right Thing to Do'”, People, November 5, 2021.