Proposal by Ohio lawmakers would eliminate tax on feminine products; 5 states already have

A proposal by Ohio lawmakers would do away with taxes on feminine care products.

Legislation was introduced Monday that would make Ohio the sixth state to scrap the so-called pink tax on products such as tampons and pads.

"It's one thing to provide exemptions to energy companies and corporations, but we can provide that same type of relief to everyday citizens," said State Rep. Kevin Boyce, a Columbus Democrat.

Rep. Greta Johnson, an Akron Democrat, said at a news conference that women spend $6 to $10 of taxable dollars every month on the products, and it's time to help them save money on the essential purchases.

"Feminine care products are not a luxury. They are a health care necessity. Lack of proper hygiene has a medical cost," Johnson said.

Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and New Jersey already have done away with the tax, The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1Iuk00L ) reported.

A woman spending $10 a month on feminine hygiene products in Franklin County, where the tax is 7.5 percent, would save $9 annually if the sales tax is removed.

"It may not seem like much but over a lifetime of 2,375 days on their period, the costs add up," Johnson said.

Johnson said she's yet to hear any opposition to the legislation.