SPRINGFIELD – While many forces that are demanding state income tax hikes for anyone taking home a salary – even a meager one – some of those same forces are demanding the Governor sign a sales tax cut for … feminine products.
We kid you not. Planned Parenthood, says paying tax on feminine products is "unfair" and "expensive" because "feminine hygiene products are necessary to address biological functions that women can't control. Menstruation is a condition that happens every month for women. It's not a choice."
On Governor Rauner's desk is SB 2746, which amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act by exempting feminine hygiene products from taxation beginning on January 1, 2017. The bill applies to feminine hygiene products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups.
"Taxing these essential products is unfair and expensive. The taxes on feminine hygiene products add up over time. For those living in poverty, the cost of feminine hygiene products is significant," Planned Parenthood argues.
The question opponents ask are why not cut sales taxes across the board? Why cut "unfair" and "expensive" taxes on a few items?
When demands are being made for more budget cuts and vendors go months and months in arrears waiting for their compensation, why do these items get special exemption?
