‘TAMPON TAX’ OFFICIALLY THING OF THE PAST

ALBANY, NY—State Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) today announced that the Governor has signed her bill (S. 7838) into law which officially repeals the notorious ‘Tampon Tax.’

“With the signing of this bill today, we are taking a monumental step forward in reforming our out-of-touch tax laws and we are sending a strong message to New York’s women that they are being heard,” said Senator Serino. “This day is decades overdue, but I am incredibly proud that as a freshman State Senator I can say that this absurd tax is finally a thing of the past. Now, it is my hope that we can continue down the path of applying commonsense to our tax laws as we work to make our state more affordable for all New Yorkers.” 

Specifically, the law now exempts feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, from the state sales and compensating use tax. Sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, the bill passed both houses of the Legislature this year with unanimous support.

“For those who pay each and every month for these products—products that they depend on—this bill will have a significant impact,” Serino continued. “It means real dollars saved at a time when for many New York families, every dollar counts and it means sending a message that there is simply no place for discriminatory taxes here in our state, because let’s face it—a tax on tampons is absolutely a tax on women.”

New York now joins the ranks of several states who have passed similar legislation and taken steps to recognize these products as basic necessities including our neighbors, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Serino concluded by thanking all those who made their voice heard on this important issue, saying, “There has been a groundswell of support for this legislation since it was introduced and to those in our community and beyond who worked tirelessly to raise awareness for this issue and who helped move it up the priority list, I thank you. Together, we have made a real difference for New York’s women and our taxpayers.”

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