NY Lawmaker Joins Push To Exempt Feminine Hygiene Products From Sales Tax

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A New York state lawmaker says it makes no sense for the state to impose its sales tax on tampons and other feminine hygiene products when medicines, bandages and condoms are tax-free.

Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal says her recently introduced legislation seeks to end what she calls "a regressive tax on women and their bodies."

Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat, notes that 10 states currently impose no sales tax on the items.

The push to end the taxing of tampons has gained traction in several states, including California.

Referred to as an end to the "tampon tax," California Assembly Bill 1561 would provide exemptions on taxes from the purchase, storage and usage of sanitary napkins and tampons.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia estimates women in California pay more than $20 million a year on feminine hygiene products, or $7 a month for 40 years. Garcia argues the cost only intensifies a difference in pay between men and women.

"Basically, we are being taxed for being women," she said in a statement on Tuesday.

No provisions are being made to cover the lost revenue.

Canada also exempted the items from sales taxes last year.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.