Lawmakers in Richmond are debating a number of bills on the subject of menstrual equity. And, as Michael Pope reports, it’s a mixed picture.
Talk to female inmates about their experience getting feminine hygiene products, and you’ll hear horror stories. Sheriffs across Virginia say they make these products available. But Democrat Delegate Kaye Kory of Fairfax County says she’d rather put that into law. And, so far, she’s having success.
“It’s gone over to the Senate, and in transit it’s become bipartisan. Several Republican men have happily sign onto it. So I’m hopeful.”
Read More: Lawmakers Are Working to Expand Access to Feminine Hygiene Products in Virginia's Prisons
Less hopeful is Democratic Delegate Jennifer Boysko of Herndon. She wanted to eliminate the sales tax on feminine hygiene products. But that would have cost about $5 million a year. So then she wanted to at least add them to the list of products that were exempt during the back to school sales tax holiday.
“Currently under the tax holiday you can buy things like garter belts and wedding dresses. But menstrual supplies are not included in that tax holiday, and girls have to have those products to go to school.”
That effort failed, and the sales tax will continue to be charged on these products — even during the sales tax holiday. Boysko says she’ll try again next year.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
