Bill aims to eliminate “tampon tax” in South Carolina
According to Karen Culbreath, executive director of The Period Project, 14.7% of women in the state live in poverty and have difficulty accessing this type of product
This month, the South Carolina House passed a bill that would eliminate state sales tax on menstrual products. Representatives reached a unanimous result for the end of “period tax” or “tampon tax”. Therefore, will make feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons exempt from the 6% state tax.
If the bill becomes law, South Carolina could lose about $5.9 million in revenue. The state is one of more than 20 that still have a tax on period items.
According to Karen Culbreath, executive director of The Period Project, this initiative is important because this type of product is an essential item for women’s needs, not a luxury. According to Culbreath, 14.7% of women in South Carolina live in poverty – above the national average of 11.7% – and have difficulty accessing this type of product.
North Carolina is also among the US states that tax menstrual products. However, an Action Network petition is collecting signatures to urge lawmakers to cut that tax. According to the group, women spend an average of $60 per year on menstrual products with a rate of 4.75% in the state.
