Bill Overview
Title: Stop Taxes Against Menstrual Products Act of 2022
Description: This bill makes it unlawful for a state or local government to impose a tax on the retail sale of a menstrual product.
Sponsors: Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
Target Audience
Population: Menstruating individuals who purchase menstrual products
Estimated Size: 80000000
- Menstruating individuals often require products like tampons, pads, menstrual cups, etc., which are subject to sales tax in some jurisdictions.
- The number of menstruating people globally is large, as it affects roughly half of the population during their reproductive years.
- The STAMP Act focuses on the purchase of menstrual products, primarily impacting those who menstruate and purchase these products.
- Women typically begin menstruating between ages 12 and 15 and can continue to do so until approximately age 50.
Reasoning
- The STAMP Act is designed to alleviate the added financial burden caused by sales tax on menstrual products. It is expected to most directly benefit those who regularly purchase these items, particularly low-income individuals who may feel a more significant impact from the removal of these taxes.
- The policy does not broadly affect non-menstruating individuals; however, it could indirectly influence families or households as a whole, as savings from untaxed products could be reallocated to other needs or savings.
- Geographically, the impact might vary with local tax rates—higher rates imply greater savings when removed.
- Considering the policy's intent and the budget constraints, the primary positive effects are expected among menstruating individuals, whereas others could experience a negligible impact.
Simulated Interviews
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think removing taxes on menstrual products is fair; they are essential, not luxury items.
- Financially, every bit helps, especially living in a city where costs are high.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 16 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My mom complains often about the cost of things, including pads and tampons.
- It'd be nice to reduce that financial stress a bit, though I don't handle the money myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retail Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'd appreciate any financial relief I can get, especially on necessary items.
- This could make budgeting a little easier, which is pretty much always tight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a long-overdue change. I wish it had happened sooner when I was dealing with financial stress.
- Still, it's a positive move that I support entirely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tax removal is commendable, and I notice the cost across our family budget.
- It's important to make these necessary health products more accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
College Student (New York City, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student, I have to budget carefully, so any savings really matter.
- I'm glad there's recognition that menstrual health products aren't optional.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 9.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change would help a lot of women like me who are balancing everything on a budget.
- Taxes on menstrual products never made sense to me; they're as necessary as food.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Writer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It would make a big difference, especially if you count products like mine which are more expensive.
- Taxes add up, especially during my low-income months.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important for the younger generations to have affordable access to these products.
- I wish more aspects of women's health were treated as essential and untaxed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
High School Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction and recognizes menstrual health as vital.
- For schools, it might lead to providing products to students without additional cost burdens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 3: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 5: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 10: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Year 100: $275000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- Existing sales tax rates vary by state, affecting the total tax revenue loss.
- Changes to tax law can take time to implement, as states need to amend their own tax rules to conform to federal legislation.
- The bill may provide a relief to a key demographic but requires adjustments in budget allocations for states relying on sales tax revenue from menstrual products.