With 1 in 3 American families in need of diapers as a result of shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) is moving to remove the sales tax on diapers, and other hygienic products through SB 806.
If passed, SB 806 would make Florida the fifteenth state to lift such tax on hygienic products such as these.
With diapers not being covered under programs like food stamps, the estimated monthly payment of $70-$80 for the product still burdens low-income families. The Tampa Bay Times reported that single moms or dads, 'Spend 6% of total annual pay.' And in worse situations, can be as much as 14%.
Senator Book is pushing this issue under her, Pro-children and families agenda.
The Senator reinforced the bill by claiming, 'It's time to stop taxing Florida families for these essential healthcare items.' Book also added that we should stop taxing, '...the health, safety, and dignity of families.'
Florida Democrats continue to believe that this must be done to compliment the ever-lowering prices of feminine hygiene products in Florida since 2017.
Along with families' and women's products, Senator Book is simultaneously leading the fight for Medicaid expansion, providing tampons to all public schools, and keeping children safe from sexual predators in Florida.
Unfortunately, we have not seen any of Book's proposals come to fruition as this will be her fourth year filing for the 'Diaper Tax.'
