Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine today signed into a law a bill that, among other measures, eliminates state sales tax on feminine hygiene products.
The move is expected to save consumers in the Buckeye State about $4 million a year.
State Rep. Brigid Kelly of Cincinnati, a Democrat, sponsored legislation removing the pink tax with Republican State. Rep. Niraj Antani of Dayton.
"I am appreciative of the Governor for signing this bill making medically necessary products more equitably accessible to women and girls in our state," Kelly said in a statement. "This is an important step towards ensuring that everyone who has a period is able to lead a healthful life and fully participate in their communities as they choose.”
Kelly also tried to get the pink tax removed last legislative session, introducing a bill that cleared the House but stalled in the Senate. Fifteen other states have also eliminated the tax on products like tampons.
State representatives tucked the provision striking the so-called "pink tax" into SB26. That bill also allows teachers to claim a $250 state income tax deduction for school supplies they purchase and strikes a provision in the last state budget making lawyers and lobbyists ineligible for business tax exemptions.
