New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) today announced that her bill to require that menstrual products be provided free to people in shelters statewide has passed both the New York State Assembly and Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“Period poverty is real, right here in New York and across the country. With more than 90,000 people sleeping on the streets or in shelter each night statewide, it is vital that we do all we can to address period poverty. This bill ensures that people have access to the products they need to participate safely and meaningfully in everyday life. People living in shelter are provided with free access to toilet paper, and the need for menstrual products should not be viewed any differently,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.

In the United States, 25 million women live in poverty, and SNAP benefits do not cover menstrual products.

“We can help pull women and their children out of poverty while we continue the march toward achieving true menstrual equity by providing menstrual products for free in all bathrooms where one would expect to find toilet paper,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal.

Assemblymember Rosenthal is the sponsor of the TAMP (Total Access to Menstrual Products) Act, which would require menstrual products be provided for free in every restroom statewide where toilet is made available for free.