Bill Text: NJ AR194 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requests that future federal legislation related to COVID-19 financial relief include menstrual product funding.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-10-19 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Women and Children Committee [AR194 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-AR194-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman LISA SWAIN
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Requests that future federal legislation related to COVID-19 financial relief include menstrual product funding.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution requesting that future federal legislation related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) financial relief include menstrual product funding.
Whereas, Menstrual products are defined as disposable or reusable products used for catching menstruation and vaginal discharge, including tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups; and
Whereas, Menstrual products are instrumental to feminine hygiene; and
Whereas, Women who earn a low-income or who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic struggle to afford menstrual products; and
Whereas, In March 2020, the United State Congress and President Donald Trump enacted a $2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act; and
Whereas, The aim of the law was to blunt the impact of an economic downturn set in motion by the global COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas, Policymakers crafted legislation that dedicates historic government funding to support large and small businesses, industries, individuals and families, gig workers and independent contractors, and hospitals; and
Whereas, However, the legislation did not provide menstrual product funding; and
Whereas, Any further legislation relating to COVID-19 financial relief enacted by the federal government should include funding for entities that offer free menstrual products to women in need; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House requests that any future legislation enacted by the federal government relating to COVID-19 financial relief include funding for entities that offer free menstrual products to women in need.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly, to every member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation.
STATEMENT
This resolution requests that any future legislation passed by the federal government related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) financial relief include menstrual product funding.
Menstrual products are defined as disposable or reusable products used for catching menstruation and vaginal discharge, including tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups. Menstrual products are instrumental to feminine hygiene.
Women who earn a low-income or who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic struggle to afford menstrual products. In March 2020, the United State Congress and President Donald Trump enacted a $2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. The aim of the law was to blunt the impact of an economic downturn set in motion by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Policymakers crafted legislation that dedicates historic government funding to support large and small businesses, industries, individuals and families, gig workers and independent contractors, and hospitals. However, the legislation did not provide menstrual product funding. Any further legislation relating to COVID-19 financial relief enacted by the federal government should include funding for entities that offer free menstrual products to women in need.