There are plenty of things you can buy in the U.S. tax-free: bagged salads in Colorado, seasoned croutons in Texas, manicures and massages in West Virginia. But in 40 states, menstrual products — used to care for a normal bodily function that occurs every month for 30 to 40 years — are taxed anywhere from 4 percent to 10 percent, Newsweek reports. Meanwhile, we can all participate in rodeos tax-free (thanks, South Dakota!).
On Thursday, however, New York became the 11th state without a tax on menstrual products when Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation eliminating local and state sales taxes on them. The news comes a week after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed historic legislation that will ensure free tampons and pads are available in all public schools, homeless shelters and jails across the city.