By: Fatuma Hilowle, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb.- A proposed bill could eliminate the sales tax in feminine hygiene products in Nebraska. State Senator Terrell McKinney of Omaha introduced the Legislative Bill 881 that would exempt state sales tax from menstrual hygiene products.
The bill would stop state sales tax from being applied to tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins and other similar products.
UNO Junior and Walgreens shopper, Michaela Traudt, said she is in full support of the proposed bill.
“I think it’s a really good idea. Feminine hygiene products can be very expensive, and I don’t think anyone should have to worry about how they’re going to get them,” Traudt said. “Especially for people that can’t afford them. I think it’s a step in the right direction for women.”
According to new research by OnePoll, the average woman spends about $13.25 on menstruation products every month.
Walgreens associate JaiDen said she also fully supports the proposed bill and that it should have passed the first time it was proposed back in January.
“Okay, I feel that women should not be taxed on feminine products,” JaiDen said. “For one, we can’t control that. For two, it’s natural. It’s a part of human nature.”
If the bill does pass, Nebraska would join 20 other states that currently have no sales tax on feminine hygiene products.
