We, the undersigned, urge the Alexandria, VA City Council to exempt menstrual products from the city’s 1% local sales tax.

TAXING THE FLOW

Menstrual products are a monthly necessity for more than half the population, yet they remain financially burdensome—particularly for low-income individuals, students, and people experiencing housing insecurity. In Alexandria, approximately 10% of residents live below the poverty line, and nearly 60% of Alexandria City Public School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a common indicator of economic hardship. Additionally, over 200 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in the city, according to the Alexandria Office of Community Services. For these populations, the continued local taxation of menstrual products creates an inequitable burden. According to the 2023 State of the Period study, nearly 1 in 4 menstruating individuals in the U.S. struggle to afford period products—a condition often referred to as “period poverty.” This tax amplifies that struggle by adding unnecessary costs to essential hygiene items.

THIS ISN’T JUST A PERIOD PROBLEM

If the 1% local sales tax remains in place, Alexandria risks perpetuating gender-based economic disparities and falling behind neighboring jurisdictions in advancing menstrual equity. Washington, D.C. has eliminated sales tax on menstrual products, and Virginia removed its state portion as of January 1, 2023, leaving Alexandria’s local tax as a lingering financial barrier and a potential reason for its citizens to spend money in neighboring jurisdictions. Removing this tax would not only bring the city’s policy into alignment with regional norms, but it would also make a tangible difference in the lives of residents who must purchase these products regularly—potentially avoiding forced trade-offs between menstrual care and other essentials.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SHED THE TAX

By shedding the period tax, we can take a bold step toward equity and fairness in Alexandria. This small change will have a lasting impact on our community, offering immediate relief to those who need it most while sending a powerful message about our values.

We can:

• Advance Equity: Support Alexandria’s racial and gender equity goals with a simple, meaningful policy change.
• Promote Public Health: Treat menstrual products like the health essentials they are.
• Ease Economic Strain: Provide relief as inflation and rising costs continue to impact residents.
• Keep Pace with Public Opinion: Reflect growing national support for menstrual equity.
• Lead by Example: Position Alexandria as a model for other Virginia localities.
• Low Cost, High Impact: Minimal revenue loss, major benefit for community well-being.
• Support Youth & Students: Reduce barriers for young people learning to manage menstruation.
• Break the Stigma: Normalize menstruation through inclusive, dignity-driven policy.

We urge the City Council to act now to eliminate the local sales tax on menstrual products and affirm Alexandria’s commitment to equity, public health and economic justice.