Folks, let's talk about periods. Especially after HB 1159, brought by Representative Erin Healy was killed today by the House Appropriations Committee. The point of the bill was to exempt period products from taxation. Linda Duba, the only woman on the committee, was the lone no vote. 🧵

Periods impact 50% of the population. Menstruation is a normal medical occurrence that happens every 21-28 days. Feminine hygiene products are a necessary part of menstruation and should be considered medical supplies, Healy said.

Viagra and insulin are considered medical products and aren't taxed, one proponent said.

Healy explained that the revenue period products bring the state is between $1 million and $3.6 million. The bill would recognize that the tax isn't fair and is based on gender.

More specifically those who cannot afford period products are the ones hurt by the tax, according to other proponents. The Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen spoke to the shame and humiliation girls and women feel when they can't access period products.

"I can personally testify to the horrific outcomes and damage that the lack of feminine hygiene products cause for our children, or teens, and our women from a physical standpoint," the Presentation Sisters lobbyist said.

Others have talked about that in homeless shelters, period products are always in demand. One source told me last year when they opened a mutual aid pantry, the first things to go were pads and razors.

And because I'm a journalist whose done her duty, I went to Walmart last week to check out prices on period products. A box of 45 tampons and a box of 46 pads each cost $9.39. A box of 16 pads costs $3.92.

So say you need the big box of tampons and the big box of pads because that at least will get you through 3 cycles. That's $20, not including tax.

Meanwhile, a 12 oz. can of formula cost $17. So if you're a mom choosing between period products and formula and the budget is tight, you have to make a choice.

Opponents, such as the SD Retailers Association, said toilet paper and toothpaste were taxed. "There's a whole variety of things that we as humans use on a regular basis that are subject to sales tax in South Dakota," they said.

Rep. Linda Duba made the motion to pass the tax but it wasn't seconded. Instead, the bill was killed 8-1 by a motion from Rep. John Mills.

"I'm very disappointed that one didn't support my motion because you still had the opportunity to vote no. But you must understand that this is a tax that is not necessary and your pay that tax by having people in your household that are female," Duba said.

23 states exempt period products from sales tax. South Dakota continues to tax our period products. 🧵/end

Back in 1921--a bill to appropriate $ for hog houses, poultry houses, barns, etc was drastically changed to appropriate $ for legislators' living expenses.

“For those who voted against, we ask you to look within and try to find your souls.”

Female legislators in the House of Representatives posed for a photo to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay #sdleg 2023 has a record-setting number of women in the Legislature this year

Postpartum Medicaid expansion is the first step to maternal health equity—⁦⁦Representative Erin Healy⁩ and I each had bills to do this in SD this session. We are glad the Governor decided to apply for a waiver on her own. It’s the right thing to do. southdakotasearchlight.com/2023/03/29/pos…

Love this! Go LHS Lady Pats!!

We are thrilled to officially announce that we are running for re-election in 2024! Your SD District 10 Legislative team: Representative Erin Healy, Rep. Kameron Nelson and Sen. Senator Liz Larson