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Tax Exemption On Diapers, Feminine Hygiene Products Clears First Senate Committee

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A bill giving a tax exemption on diapers and feminine hygiene products has cleared its first Florida Senate committee.

On average, packaged diapers can cost up to 75 dollars a month. While this is just part of the monthly budget for some families, Sen. Lauren Book (D-Plantation) says that’s not true for everyone.

“For 52 percent of Florida’s children under the age of three—who live in low income families—as do 10 percent of Florida’s elders…for these families, the cost of diapers can present impossible choices: ‘Should we pay for the electric bill or buy diapers?’ Families living in poverty tend to make diapers last longer by changing them less frequently, which is more than uncomfortable. It’s unhealthy, and can causes serious and costly medical issues,” said Book, during the Senate Commerce and Tourism committee.

That’s why Book says she sponsored the bill (SB 56) giving a tax break not only for diapers, but also incontinence products for women, like pads and liners. Meanwhile, its House companion has not yet had a hearing.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.