Post by Logan on Apr 21, 2016 17:23:38 GMT -6
Illinois lawmakers vote to eliminate 'tampon tax,' expand contraceptive options
State lawmakers on Thursday approved measures to eliminate the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products and expand contraceptive options.
Under current law, tampons, sanitary napkins and adult diapers are taxed as "luxury items" at a rate of 6.25 percent, a classification supporters say is unfair. Sponsoring Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, arguing they were "unavoidable necessities" for women and seniors.
The measure now heads to the House for consideration. Last month, the Chicago City Council voted unanimously to abolish the so-called "tampon tax," labeling feminine hygiene products as medical necessities exempt from the city's 1.25 percent sales tax.
In the House, lawmakers approved a measure that would expand contraceptive options for women by eliminating a complicated waiver process they must go through to get birth control medications not offered by their insurance companies.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-legislature-tampon-tax-met-0421-20160421-story.html
State lawmakers on Thursday approved measures to eliminate the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products and expand contraceptive options.
Under current law, tampons, sanitary napkins and adult diapers are taxed as "luxury items" at a rate of 6.25 percent, a classification supporters say is unfair. Sponsoring Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, arguing they were "unavoidable necessities" for women and seniors.
The measure now heads to the House for consideration. Last month, the Chicago City Council voted unanimously to abolish the so-called "tampon tax," labeling feminine hygiene products as medical necessities exempt from the city's 1.25 percent sales tax.
In the House, lawmakers approved a measure that would expand contraceptive options for women by eliminating a complicated waiver process they must go through to get birth control medications not offered by their insurance companies.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-legislature-tampon-tax-met-0421-20160421-story.html