PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Lawmakers in Rhode Island are renewing efforts to exempt feminine hygiene products from a tax intended for luxury products.
The Providence Journal (https://bit.ly/2qInThM ) reports that the House Committee on Finance heard testimony Wednesday in favor of a bill that would eliminate the tax on tampons and pads.
The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Edith Ajello. Fellow Democrat Sen. Louis DiPalma has introduced a similar bill in the state Senate. Last year, their bills failed to make it to the floor for a vote.
DiPalma estimates the state would lose out on about $500,000, but says taxing the products is unfair because they are a necessity.
Other states including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania have already passed similar exemptions.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.