Resolution 15503CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 15503
IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL AB31
(GARCIA, BONTA, GONZALEZ, AND MATHIS) THE NO TAMPON TAX BILL
WHEREAS, most states charge sales taxes on all tangible property with
exemptions for items deemed to be necessities such as groceries, prescription drugs and
certain medical products, and food stamp purchases; and
WHEREAS, many states still, however, fail to recognize menstrual health products
such as sanitary pads and tampons as necessities and consider them subject to sales
tax; and
WHEREAS, such antiquated tax laws have a disproportionate negative impact on
women, thus creating gender imbalance in the state's tax law; and
WHEREAS, AB 31 (Garcia, Bonta, Gonzalez, and Mathis), The No Tampon Tax
Bill would revise California tax laws to exempt menstrual health products as essential
items; and
WHEREAS, currently the regressive California sales tax on sanitary pads and
tampons largely impacts women in low-income brackets for whom sales taxes constitute
a larger proportion of their income and; and
WHEREAS, sanitary pads and tampons advance public health by promoting public
sanitation; and
WHEREAS, several states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
Minnesota, and New Jersey have already exempted menstrual health products from sales
taxes; and
WHEREAS, AB 31 would allow California to advance beyond its current regressive
taxes and join the list of states that have recognized that sanitary pads and tampons are
essential to a women's wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, The City of Alameda is committed to the rights and wellness of
women, girls and others who menstruate and acknowledges that the State of California
must put an end to taxation on essential menstrual health products.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Alameda hereby supports AB 31 (Garcia, Bonta, Gonzalez, and Mathis), The No
Tampon Tax Bill.
*****
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular meeting
assembled on the 5th day of March, 2019 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft-5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said City this 6th day of March, 2019.
APPROVED AS TO FORM /1 J
I /t /ltlLJ
Michael H. Roush, Interim City Attorney
City of Alameda
Lara Weisiger, ity Clerk
City of Alameda