The state of Illinois has made a big decision in regards to women’s health after Governor Bruce Rauner signed a law banning taxation of feminine hygiene products, items such as menstrual pads and tampons, reported the Huffington Post. 

After signing the law on Friday, Illinois has officially earned its spot as the third state, following Connecticut and New York, to end taxes on needed women’s products. According to the Huffington Post, similar legislation has been introduced in several other states. The newly signed law is set to take effect on January 1st.  

Illinois senator Melinda Bush, one of the bill’s sponsors, stated on the Huffington Post, “This is the start of a conversation about the unfair ‘pink taxes’ women face as they buy products priced higher than similar ones marketed to men or, in this case, as they have to spend on products that men don’t.”  

The “pink tax” is a name in reference to the extra money that women are asked to spend in order to have needed items such as feminine hygiene products, under garments, haircuts, razors, and insurance along with other items in comparison to similar products that are marketed for males.  

Many states across the nation fail to recognize feminine hygiene products as important and necessary items and opts to tax them as “luxury items”, according to the Huffington Post. In an article posted by the New York Daily News it explains that the average statewide sales tax is 6.25 percent but those taxes can be even higher. Chicago faces 10.25 percent sales tax due to city and county surcharges.  

While this cut in taxes is great for women to hear, others are concerned about how the state will make up for the loss in taxes collected from the purchase of these products. According to the New York Daily News, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Revenue, Terry Horstman, Illinois is already facing a multibillion dollar deficit and this new law will cost the state an estimated $10 to $15 million annually at the state rate.  

This is a huge step for women, even if they do not live in New York, Connecticut or, now, Illinois. Women have been pointing out this issue for years and it does not end with tampons and pads. But, hey, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.  

I do not think that some people realize how expensive it can be to be a female. Sure, men have their share of expenses but the whole ‘pink tax’ concept is very real. Take the purchase of underwear for example. If I walked into Victoria’s Secret to buy an average, everyday bra I would see prices from $40 to $60 depending on what style I chose. Now, to be fair, I could go shopping at Walmart or another department store, but I bet the difference can be seen there too.  

Obviously, if you shop name brands like Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret or Ralph Lauren you are going to see higher prices for both women and men. Men’s Calvin Klein boxer briefs can vary in price, some being $30 for a single pair.  

So, why and how do women spend so much more? Well, if you think about it, men only need one type of undergarment while women are often expected to wear two, creating an extra expense.  

Not to mention that Mother Nature gave women the ability to have children which equals menstruation and along with it comes the need for tampons or pads.  On CVS’s website a 40 count box of Tampax tampons is $5.49 and the same box is $5.47 on Walmart’s website. I could go on but I think I’ve made my point; it gets expensive to maintain being a woman.  

I am really impressed by the states that have said goodbye to the sales tax on women’s hygiene products because I feel that is one way to bring more gender equality to society. Why should women have to pay more for being women? We shouldn’t. On the flip side, men should not have to pay more for being men.  

We are who we are and regardless, we should all be treated equally. Men and women are obviously different, no one questions that, but that does not mean that one group should have to pay more for being their gender. So, good for Illinois, New York and Connecticut for taking a step towards more equality among the sexes.  

Hopefully more states will follow suit, especially as other states begin passing this law. For those who are concerned about how to make up for the loss this new law will cause, I say we tax other items that are not taxed. It seems like every state has a few items that are off limits to taxation.  

The New York Daily News explained that rolled-fruit candy is exempt from sales tax in New York while Kentucky does not place sales tax on barbecued sunflower seeds. I am sure that Illinois has their fair share of items that are escaping the sales tax and maybe by taxing those items instead of women’s hygiene products, they can make up for their losses.  

I am really glad to see this slowly happening in the United States because having access to hygiene products is important for your health. It shows me that the public is starting to take notice in the injustices that exist, even if it is over sales tax. Women’s health is becoming increasingly important and I feel this law shows that. 

All women should have the ability to get tampons or pads as needed without having to consider a pesky sales tax. Even if the sales tax is not too terribly high, it’s the principle of the matter. Being fair and giving every girl out there the opportunity to take care of herself is worth way more than a sales tax.