By Rosemary Jordan
California Assembly Bill 9, which would have exempted menstrual products from state sales tax, was introduced before the State Assembly in 2016 but has been held back by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Women across California have gotten LOUD about the absurdity of classifying these products as “luxury” items, and now we have a tiny window to advance a new bill (number pending) being worked on now.
There is still a chance we can #endthetampontax this year. To do that, we need EVERYONE – yes, that means YOU! – to make your voice heard by the Fab Four: Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher, Senator (and incoming State Senate President Pro Tempore) Toni Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Governor Jerry Brown.
Please call, fax, email, post, visit them in Sacramento or send an urgent postcard. Better yet – do all of the above, and spread the word! Their contact info is below.
What to say:
My name is _____ and my zip code is ______. Taxing menstrual products is unjust and a further burden on those living in deep poverty. Please work to create a solution that advances gender equity. We can’t wait another year for equality and we’re convinced the resources can be found to make up for the lost tax revenue. Where there’s a will for justice, there is always a way. Please be a leader and a role model for equality and get this done! Thank you
Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher:
Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 2114, P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0080
Tel: (916) 319-2080; Fax: (916) 319-2180
District Office: 1350 Front Street, Suite 6022, San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-338-8090; Fax: 619-338-8099
Senator Toni Atkins:
Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 4072, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4039; Fax: (916) 651-4939
San Diego District Office: 1350 Front Street, Suite 4061, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 645-3133; Fax: (619) 645-3144
Speaker Anthony Rendon:
Capitol Office: State Capitol, Room 219, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2063; Fax: (916) 319-2163
District Office: 12132 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280
Phone: (562) 529-3250; Fax: (562) 529-3255
Governor Edmund G. Brown:
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841; Fax: (916) 558-3160
Rosemary Jordan is Co-Founder of Alameda4Impeachment, a registered Indivisible group and a partner in the Citizens Impeachment Coalition, which includes representatives of cities, towns and counties nationwide (including four in the East Bay) that have passed local Impeachment resolutions. Rosemary also serves on the Steering Committee of All Rise Alameda and is co-leader of the End The Tampon Tax In California campaign. She has over 20 years of professional experience in healthcare and aging.
