123 Your Street

Austin, TX ZIPCODE
(123) 456-7890

Month Day, 2021

Morgan Meyer
Chairman, Ways & Means Committee
Room E1.302
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-0367

Dear Mr. Meyer,

I am writing to you because you are a major component in the process of HB 321 amending the unjust taxation of
menstrual products. This issue is very important to me and I would like to show my support for this bill to receive a
hearing date. I know you are an advocate for women's safety and rights, and this bill would majorly contribute to
ending period poverty.

There are currently millions of women living in poverty who suffer from the discriminatory nature of this tax, on a
monthly basis. Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour while the average box of tampons is $7; this means that a
woman must work nearly an hour to buy just a single box of tampons. However, each woman’s cycle is different
and some people might need 2-3 boxes of tampons per cycle. Also considering that some people are buying for
families of multiple menstruators, the monthly cost of period products really adds up. The state currently taxes
anywhere between 6.25% and 8.25% on menstrual products, turning the $7 to $7.58 which is money that those
truly affected by this tax do not have. This is generally referred to as the “pink tax,” which is the extra cost that a
woman must pay just for being a woman. This tax is exploiting and disproportionately hurting both
low-income/unhoused women and families in Texas.

Texas has provided a lot of sales and uses tax exemptions on non-essential goods. Despite menstrual products being
a medical necessity, they are considered luxury items and are taxed between 6.25% and 8.25%. When you buy a
box of bandaids because you need to stop the bleeding from a cut, you aren’t taxed because it is a medical supply
and it is essential to your health. But when you need tampons or sanitary pads, for the natural body process of
menstruation, that is out of your control, it’s not considered essential. The state also provides tax exemptions on
several items such as yachts, viagra, and newspapers. The state is capitalizing off of a medical necessity, which is
supposedly not allowed, while these other goods get a tax break. This law is systemically oppressing women and
the cycle responsible for life.

It is critical that the HB 321 bill receives a hearing and we put an end to the tampon tax so that women don’t endure
the excess stress of finding a way to pay for something they need. I am aware that you were awarded the “Protect
Her Award,” because of your work in helping women, and I believe you will take this into consideration and
understand the weight of this issue. The tax not only financially affects women, but it also takes a psychological
toll on them. Feeling like you can’t ask for help due to the stigma surrounding periods makes women feel helpless,
it makes them feel isolated, it makes them feel ashamed. Setting a hearing for this bill would be the first step in
improving menstrual health and equality.

Sincerely,

First Last