We are calling upon the leaders of Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo and State Legislators, to exempt medical personal protective equipment (PPE) from sales taxes.

The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear what is essential to the health and safety of our citizens. PPE such as respirators, surgical masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns are most needed by medical professionals working directly to care for patients but respirators or surgical masks may also be used by everyone, including in-home healthcare workers and caregivers, to reduce the spread of contagions.

Eliminating sales taxes on PPE would both increase its supply and reduce its price as manufacturers produce and consumers use more of it.