The state of Texas charges a sales tax of 6.25% on every dollar spent on retail items as well as other services. Items such as allergy medications, sedatives, cold remedies, eyedrops and even nicotine gums are exempt from sales tax, because they are all considered to be medically necessary. For some reason, feminine hygiene products do not fit the bill. The average women will use 12,000-16,000 disposable pads and tampons in her lifetime. Ask a girl who just started her period what she would do without disposable pads or tampons. How can these not be considered medically essential items? As a result, charging a sales tax on these items is unfair and should be eliminated. Presently, twelve states have already abolished this tax. In Texas, this bill has been proposed a few times, but has never even made it to the floor for discussion. It is currently up for discussion again in 2019 and is being sponsored by State Senators Donna Howard and Jose Rodriguez. As a sixteen year old girl, I want to make this bill a reality to help other women around Texas. Please support this bill with your signature!