Georgia lawmakers are allocating $1.5 million for menstrual products for low-income women and girls throughout the state.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the unprecedented expense would be drawn from the state's $27.5 billion 2020 budget.
The program, set to begin July 1, will reportedly dispense $1 million to the Georgia Department of Education and $500,000 to county health departments directly. The money will assist families and children whose lack of access to menstrual products affect their work and education.
The organizations are still determining the best practices to distribute the money to those in need.
The Hill reports House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, State Rep. Kim Schofield and other Democrats negotiated the move after failing to convince fellow conservative lawmakers to remove the 4% sales tax on feminine products in the two previous sessions.
“I’m elated that recognition is going to be given to the kids that need it most,” said Schofield. “This is a gap that the state has graciously decided to fill.”
The menstrual apportion is not yet a recurring budget, but Jones and Schofield are confident that the disbursement will be adopted for years to come.
While they are pleased with the resolution, the fight to eliminate the sales tax on feminine products will continue.
It is estimated that women and girls in the state spend $63 on menstrual products annually. The Georgia Department of Audit and Accounts reported the state's revenue would lower by $9 million if the tax is abolished in 2020.
“Yes, let’s address this basic issue for students so they can have what they need so it doesn’t disrupt learning,” said Schofield. “But for adults, we need to take the tax off, just plain and simple.”
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