End the Tampon Tax... Period: A State-Level Analysis of Politics and Social Movements in the Abolishment of State’s Sales Tax on Feminine Hygiene Products

Abstract

The movement to end the tampon tax is a pressing issue, which has been gaining attention over the last couple of years. This tax is viewed as unfair because it only affects women, for whom feminine hygiene products are necessary. Currently, 18 states have abolished their tax on feminine hygiene products and while more have had legislation proposed, it has failed to pass. This issue has become split along the partisan lines in terms of support. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a state’s social movement presence is strong enough to have the necessary legislation proposed and passed or if the state’s partisanship will prevail. The findings conclude that partisanship plays a significant role during the first round of legislation, but in the subsequent round, partisanship becomes less influential. Additionally, the presence of social movement has more of an effect on getting legislation passed rather than proposed.