Gov. Whitmer Signs Second Bill Repealing Tampon Tax, Drives Down Costs for Families

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 153, the second half of a bipartisan package to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, driving down costs and saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime. 

 “I am proud to be signing legislation that will put Michiganders first, drive down costs on essential products, and lead the way towards creating economic equality for women,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden. Today, I signed the second bill in the package to repeal this tax and cut costs for families as we create generational investments and set Michiganders up for a lifetime of success.” 

“By signing these bills into law and eliminating the tampon tax, Governor Whitmer is taking a step to economically empower women and people with menstrual periods,” said Dr. Betsey Stevenson, professor of economics at the University of Michigan. “Research shows that low-income women bear the greatest burden from the taxation of menstrual products. Removing this tax makes our tax system fairer and correctly recognizes menstrual products for what they are: necessities for health and hygiene.”

“After many years of unfair taxation, seeing Governor Whitmer repeal these outdated laws shows me and other students that women have more of a say in lawmaking than ever,” said University of Michigan student Eva Hale. “I am excited that Michigan is taking a step towards equity for women.”

Over the course of a lifetime, the average menstruating Michigander has 456 periods, totaling 6.25 years, and uses 17,000 tampons or pads. Despite the necessity, expense, and frequency of need, Michiganders pay a 6 percent tax when they purchase tampons, pads, or other menstrual products.   

The typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to between $3,360 and $4,800 over the course of a lifetime. Repealing the tax will drive down costs for millions of Michiganders.