Governor Whitmer signs bill repealing tampon tax

Photo courtesy: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 5267 on Thursday, which repeals the tax on essential menstrual products like tampons.

This bill is half of a bipartisan package that will lower the amount of money families spend on these items.

According to the press release, families pay up to $4,800 over the course of a lifetime.

 “After years of trying to repeal this tax, I am proud that we are bringing people together to put Michiganders first and drive down costs on these essential products,” said Governor Whitmer. “Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden.”

The second of the two bills in the package will be signed on Friday.

“Ending the tampon tax is central to making period poverty a relic of the past,” said Representative Tenisha Yancey. “This victory is the culmination of a years’ long effort to treat women’s health seriously. I’m proud of all the hard work that has been done to push this vital package across the finish line — we could not have done it alone.”

Michiganders pay a 6% tax when they purchase pads, tampons, or other menstrual products.

The typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to around $3,360 to $4,800 over a lifetime.