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Texas ends sales tax on family care products

File photo - View of women’s hygiene products.
John Nacion
/
Reuters
Women’s hygiene products will be cheaper in Texas.

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Starting Friday, Texas’ sales tax on many family care products is now a thing of the past.

Going to the grocery store is now a little bit cheaper for customers buying feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles and more.

“It’s about damn time,” said State Rep. Donna Howard , an Austin Democrat who has long fought for end of this tax that she said was unfair — especially for women.

In addition to the physical and emotional impact, the inability to purchase menstrual supplies like pads and tampons can have social and economic implications, as it may cause people to miss work or school, and COVID has only exacerbated period poverty.What can be done to ensure accessible, affordable, and safe period products for those who need them?

“All of these things are essentials for daily living for many people,” she said. “All of these things can add up. So this provides some welcome relief for Texas families.”

Howard said it really helped that Speaker Dade Phelan made this bill a priority.

The average combined state and local sales tax rate in Texas is 8.2%.

The list of items also includes breast milk pumping products, maternity clothing, and wound care dressings.

    The bill needs to clear one last procedural vote in the House before it goes to the Senate for consideration in that chamber. It has the support of Gov. Greg Abbott.
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    David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi