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City and state legislators push for free feminine hygiene products in schools, jails, shelters

State bill would rid feminine products tax
Posted at 2:26 PM, Jun 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-29 14:26:55-04

CINCINNATI -- Some city and state lawmakers are pushing for new legislation that would make feminine hygiene products free in schools, prisons and shelters.

Inspired by a similar initiative in New York City, Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld filed a motion to begin discussion of a program or partnership to provide free feminine products in Cincinnati schools, correctional facilities and shelters.

"We move that the administration prepare a report on possible opportunities for collaboration with local partners and associated costs in order to provide a similar program in Cincinnati," the motion reads.

Councilmembers Yvette Simpson, Chris Seelbach, Wendell Young, Kevin Flynn, Charlie Winburn, Amy Murray and Christopher Smitherman and Vice Mayor David Man signed the motion with Sittenfeld.

The Ohio House of Representative penned legislation this session -- HB 272 and HB 484 -- which would abolish Ohio's sales tax on feminine hygiene products. Both bills are still pending approval of Gov. John Kasich.

Sittenfeld sponsored a resolution to support the two bills.

"As a result of the tax on these products, women in Ohio and Hamilton County are hit with an average of around $800 over a lifetime on the tax alone," the resolution says.

The City of Chicago has also abolished its sales tax on feminine hygiene products.