October 19, 2023
(press release)
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Welcome to ISSA’s October Period Project Update. This communication from ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry, will keep you up to date on the association’s efforts to end period poverty through advocacy and education. We encourage you sign up for this monthly update. ISSA To Speak at U.S. Conference on Poverty and Basic Needs ISSA Sponsoring Women in Government Relation’s October Period-Product Drive ISSA Campaign Positively Impacts Period Poverty in 2023 Webinar Recording: Implementing and Maintaining Period Friendly Bathrooms Note: This section is light this month as nearly every legislature is out of session until 2024. Most states will start reconvening in January 2024. ISSA State Legislative Activity Tracker An Arkansas community group is proposing a new ballot initiative up for a vote that would get rid of the state’s sales tax on menstrual products and diapers. The initiative must get 71,000 qualified signatures by July of 2024 to be put on the ballot. On October 8, California expanded its existing school requirement for period products to grades 3-12. Previously, the requirement was for grades 6-12. The requirement will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year. California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed three pieces of legislation that sought to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing cleaning products, menstrual care products, and artificial turf in the state. Learn more Illinois has been moving legislation (HB 3093) to require all new and existing public buildings to provide free menstrual products in female and non-gendered bathrooms. Effective October 13, Ohio started requiring schools with grades 6-12 to provide menstrual care products. The state budget also allocated $2 million for the purchase of dispensers and $3 million for the purchase of period products for Ohio schools. Here is the guidance document. On September 1, Texas officially rolled back the sales tax on menstrual care products. According to The New York Times, “Before the shift, Texas had classified period products, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, discs and sponges, as optional or luxury items and applied a 6.25 % tax.” Period Positive Workplace is a new coalition is pushing for every company to provide period products—like they provide toilet paper—to their employees and patrons. The Policy Project started the program in the U.S. in 2022 and has now launched a global campaign with international partner organizations. Days for Girls, The Policy Project, Share the Dignity, Population Services International Europe, The Pad Project, The International Sanitary Supply Association, and The Toilet Board Coalition partnered to create the Period Positive Workplace initiative to help organizations around the world build menstrual equity. Period positive workplaces can increase employee productivity and reduce absenteeism for people who menstruate. Organizations become stronger and more inclusive by providing for menstrual needs. Please contact us with any ISSA government affairs questions and/or comments that you may have. And thank you for supporting our advocacy efforts. You can find out more about ISSA’s End Period Poverty campaign and contribute here.
Features
On October 18, John Nothdurft, Director of Government Affairs for ISSA spoke alongside Claire Coder, CEO of Aunt Flow and Theresa Roche, Sales Director for HOSPECO Brands Group at the National Diaper Bank’s U.S. Conference on Poverty and Basic Needs in Orlando, Florida. The panel dove deep into the critical role business leaders play in supporting charitable partners. With corporate social responsibility on the rise, companies are increasingly aware of the benefits of aligning themselves with charitable organizations. However, effective partnership goes beyond simply writing a check; it requires a strategic approach, genuine commitment, and strong leadership.
Menstrual-care products are a basic necessity, yet not everyone has access to them. ISSA is proudly sponsoring Women in Government Relations’ fifth annual Period Product Drive now through the end of October. Your donation to this drive can make a significant difference and help ensure that no one has to go without. Donated products will be delivered to the Greater DC Diaper Bank. Our goal is to surpass 15,000 individually donated products.
“ISSA has taken our message of period positivity to facilities, state capitols, and even the White House. The association is proud to look back at our successes over the last year as we build on that momentum going into 2024 and beyond. We are working to advocate for a world where period-friendly bathrooms are the rule rather than the exception,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft.
Check out this recorded webinar discussing what period poverty is and best practices for creating and advocating for period friendly bathrooms.Legislative Updates
ISSA is tracking legislation regarding increased access in away-from-home facilities in all 50 states. Feel free to bookmark this link as it should update as we continue to track. Let us know if we are missing any. Learn moreNews
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