Cuomo Signs Bill Repealing Tax On Feminine Hygiene Products

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York state on Thursday officially repealed its tax on tampons and other feminine hygiene products, in a move expected to save purchasers $10 million a year.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law Thursday.

The law exempts tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners from the 4 percent state sales tax and from local taxes that generally are about 5 percent. It takes effect in the next sales tax quarter.

The measure passed in the Legislature after female legislators complained the tax was sexist because personal products including condoms and bandages are tax-free.

State Sen. Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park) said the repeal is ``long overdue.''

State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) said New York's 10 million women of child-bearing age will no longer be burdened by a ``regressive'' tax every month.

Several other states have enacted or considered similar tax exemptions.

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