New Orleans Rep Aimee Freeman

Beginning today you’ll no longer pay state sales tax on feminine products along with diapers. It’s called the “Pink Tax” exemption and it’s a result of New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman’s legislation from the 2021 legislative session. She said it’s a tax emption that will help women in Louisiana.

“People really are starting to understand that menstruation is not something that you can control, and that women and girls really should have the option to buy these products without a tax,” said Freeman.

The “Pink Tax” exemption includes diapers for both children and adults.

In Louisiana you do not pay state sales tax on food or medicine because they are necessities and Freeman said the “Pink Tax” exemption makes sense because feminine products and diapers are also essential. The New Orleans Democrat said the “Pink Tax” impacts all women regardless of their pollical affiliation.

“It’s a true bipartisan issue and of course I had bipartisan support on these bills in making sure they went forward,” said Freeman.

The “Pink Tax” exemption has been debated in the legislature since 2017 and in 2020 Freeman was successful in having legislation to allow municipalities the choice to remove the “Pink Tax” and now the sales tax has been removed.

Freeman proposed legislation this year for schools to provide feminine products for students which ultimately failed but she plans to refile the bill next year.

“I think people aren’t aware that sometimes our girls miss school because of periods and that we do actually have a period poverty issue,” said Freeman.

In honor of the “Pink Tax” exemption, for the month of July, the Jr. League of New Orleans is collecting diapers and feminine products to assist low-income families.

You must be logged in to post a comment.