Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Fight Over Tampon Taxes

greta_johnson_credit_ohiochannel.jpg
Ohiochannel.org
/
Representative Greta Johnson (speaking) at 2015 news conference, talking about taxes on feminine hygiene products

There are two efforts underway to make feminine hygiene products tax-free in Ohio.

Democratic State Representative Greta Johnson’s legislation would exempt tampons and sanitary pads from the list of taxable items in Ohio.

“This isn’t a feminist’s issue. This isn’t a woman’s issue. This is about being unfair. This is about economic parity.”

The bill has two Democratic sponsors, but likely isn’t going anywhere in the Republican-dominated Ohio House. But there is a lawsuit in the Ohio Court of Claims that could make tampons and pads tax free….and require the state to repay $66 million in back taxes to women. A spokesman for Gov. John Kasich’s office says he cannot comment on that issue because it involves pending litigation.

Contact Jo Ingles at jingles@statehousenews.org.