Georgia STOMP Can Come to You!

WOULD YOUR GROUP LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT THE WORK OF GEORGIA STOMP?

If you are only recently learning about the issues of Period Poverty and Menstrual Equity: don’t worry, you are not alone! For those who have never struggled to purchase menstrual products, the realization that numerous women and young girls can’t afford this basic need can be overwhelming. And if you’ve never thought about why menstrual products haven’t been considered “basic needs” by emergency management agencies or sales tax codes, and aren’t provided in public restrooms the same as soap and toilet paper are, the idea of Menstrual Equity is new to you!

Georgia STOMP is working with organizations, policy-makers, and advocates across the state to ensure that menstruation ceases to be a barrier to an equitable society.

Leaders of Georgia STOMP are available to speak to your group or organization about Period Poverty, Menstrual Equity and the legislative and advocacy work we have undertaken, including a great many successes already accomplished!

The following is an excerpt from a report made by Rev. Nana’ Kratochvil, V. P. and Program Chair for the League of Women Voters in Macon following a recent program by Georgia STOMP.

Claire Cox, one of the leaders of Georgia Women (and Those Who Stand With Us), brought her passion and advocacy to the League of Women Voters at their regular meeting on April 17th. She shared with us the work Georgia Women is doing to bring fairness and justice to women.  Georgia STOMP (Stop Tax on Menstrual Products) is a coalition working to eliminate taxes on women’s health products.  Cox told us of the difficult choices faced by poor families when their daughters reached the age of first menses. If the choice to buy food is made, their daughters are unable to attend school, or made do with home made substitutes for pads, tampons or menstrual cups.  Several organizations are donating supplies to schools and shelters, but a better, fairer answer must be found. The products would be more affordable is their price did not include a sales tax.

Ms. Cox shared with members of the League the successful attempts to find sponsors for the bill that was introduced to the Georgia Legislature that would eliminate sales taxes on these products. She traced the fate of the bill in the 2019 legislative session. Although it was not successful this session, a cadre of legislators is now awakened to the need for such a bill.  Georgia Women and their Allies will work for its success at the next session.

Members of the League appreciated Ms. Cox’s presentation.  Some members are already participating in the activities of Georgia Women, and others are interested. We look forward to working together in the future.