South Carolina makes strides to eliminate ‘Pink Tax’ on feminine hygiene products
South Carolina is one step closer to eliminating the so-called “Pink Tax.” Governor Henry McMaster is expected to soon sign a law that would remove the state’s sales tax on feminine hygiene products. The tax exemption was pushed for in the state Senate by the chamber’s six female lawmakers, who argued that the state shouldn’t be taxing products deemed medically necessary.
South Carolina will join the list of more than twenty states that have eliminated sales tax on products like tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. Advocates for the bill say increasing access and affordability for these hygiene products will help more than a small population of women.
Women and girls who can’t afford the necessary products often end up staying home from work and school, said State Representative Chandra Dillard, a Democrat from Greenville County and one of the sponsors of the bill.
Rep. Dillard added that it’s been an uphill battle to get this far, as similar measures have been introduced in the Statehouse for the last five of her eight total terms. The measure passed in the House last spring and, in the final days of this year’s legislative session, it passed in the Senate unanimously.
The Period Project is now advocating for a state budget provision that would allocate funds for all schools to be able to buy and have these feminine hygiene products readily available for students. They believe that no student should feel ashamed or limited in their ability to participate in school activities due to a lack of access to necessary products.
As the legislative session in South Carolina comes to a close, the state is taking a significant step forward in ensuring that women and girls have equitable access to essential hygiene products. By eliminating the “Pink Tax,” the state is acknowledging the economic and social impact of period poverty and working towards a more inclusive and progressive future.
