If one piece of news inspires hope in you today, it’s probably going to come out of Georgia. Lawmakers in the state decided to set aside $1.5 million from the state budget (which stands at a total of $27.5 billion) to provide low-income women and girls with free tampons and pads. This budget is for the 2020 fiscal year. (Note: “Women and girls” is the standard language, but trans men, non-binary people, and others who don’t identify as female do menstruate.)
Funds will be specifically directed toward community centers and schools located in low-income areas.
In an ideal world, these health products would be accessible and affordable to everyone who needs them as a general rule. But given that many customers are still paying the “pink tax” on menstrual products, having this guaranteed availability for low-income people is still an enormous step forward.
Here’s how Georgia’s plan breaks down: $1 million will be allocated from the budget to the Georgia Department of Education. The idea is that by providing free menstrual products in schools, young people with periods won’t have to miss classes or activities because of their cycles. For the young people in question, knowing that they’ll have the products they need can also relieve a significant amount of stress and insecurity.
From there, an additional $500,000 would go toward county health departments. This money would buy pads and tampons for low-income people across the state.
Rep. Kim Schofield (who has previously fought on behalf of people who menstruate to eliminate the state’s period tax) is hopeful the spending plan will be recurring. As of right now, it’s not guaranteed it’ll be worked into future budgets—but at a minimum, it really needs to be.
“I’m elated that recognition is going to be given to the kids that need it most,” Schofield told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This is a gap that the state has graciously decided to fill.”
Oh—and about that pink tax. Right now, only 10 states in the country have gotten rid of it. And sure, even at a tax of 4 percent (which is where Georgia’s currently at, for example), that might not sound like much. But added up over time, especially if you have more than one person in your household who buys these products, it’s a legitimate expense. And even in the short-term, if you’re already on a budget, each penny counts.
And beyond the money? It’s simply unfair.