ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 194

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED OCTOBER 19, 2020

 


 

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.