LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Michigan will no longer apply the 6% sales tax to tampons and other feminine hygiene products after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills into law this week.
The governor signed HB 5267 Thursday, half of a bipartisan package to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, which Whitmer says will drive down costs and save families from “paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime.”
The governor signed the second half of the package, SB 153, officially repealing the so-called "tampon tax."
Whitmer says “after years of trying to repeal the tax,” she is proud to be “bringing people together to put Michiganders first and drive down costs on these essential products.”
Supporters of the bill say the products are necessary -- not a luxury -- and should be exempt from taxation, like other medically necessary items.
“Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Tomorrow, I will sign the second bill in the package to repeal this tax and cut costs for families as we usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”
The law is expected to reduce state sales and use tax revenue by an estimated $6.3 million.
Whitmer’s office says over the course of a lifetime, the average menstruating Michigander has 456 periods, totaling 6.25 years, and uses 17,000 tampons or pads.
“Despite the necessity, expense, and frequency of need, Michiganders pay a 6 percent tax when they purchase tampons, pads, or other menstrual products,” officials said.
Officials say the typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to between $3,360 and $4,800 over the course of a lifetime.
Dr. Betsey Stevenson, a professor of economics at the University of Michigan, said Whitmer’s signatures are “taking a step to economically empower women and people with menstrual periods.”
“Research shows that low-income women bear the greatest burden from the taxation of menstrual products,” Stevenson said, per a press release. “Removing this tax makes our tax system fairer and correctly recognizes menstrual products for what they are: necessities for health and hygiene.”
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