DC Council considers doing away with 'tampon tax'

(AP) -- The District of Columbia could join the states that have eliminated the so-called "tampon tax."

The D.C. Council will listen to testimony on Wednesday on a bill that would exempt tampons, child and adult diapers and similar products from sales taxes.

Council member Anita Bonds says in a statement that sales taxes on such products essentially force people to pay taxes "because of their disability or gender."

Bonds, a Democrat, introduced the bill, and six other members of the 13-member council signed on as co-introducers.

Five states have eliminated taxes on tampons, and several others have gotten rid of taxes on diapers.

Items that are already exempt from taxes in the District include pacemakers, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and prescription drugs, including erectile-dysfunction drugs.

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