End discrimination

By Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Krista Hinman.

21 states charge a tampon tax, and Arizona is one of them. The state doesn’t tax sodas or candy, but women and girls in Arizona have to pay taxes for necessary hygiene items.

Some fast facts
—1 in 2 families in Arizona struggles to afford diapers. That means babies whose parents can’t provide diapers are not able to go to daycare. (Most daycare centers require that parents provide four to six diaper changes per day.) If the babies can’t go to daycare then parents have to miss work.

—1 in 4 women and girls in Arizona struggle to purchase period products. When they can’t afford them, it means they miss school (and lose out on education) or work (which results in lost wages).

—1 in 2 adults will experience incontinence at some point. Incontinence supplies can cost between $200-$300 a month and many elderly have to choose between food, medicine, or these products. Without incontinence supplies, people remain homebound or are placed in nursing homes because they are deemed unable to care for themselves.

Arizona Unpinked!
This coalition of nonprofits is dedicated to advocating for the removal of discriminatory taxation on essential items, specifically period products, diapers, and adult incontinence supplies. The mission is to promote equity and dignity by eliminating the financial burden these taxes impose on individuals and families.

How does it advocate?
Through grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement.

Arizona Unpinked! partners
14 nonprofits have already joined the cause to change current legislation. They include:

*The Arizona Diaper Bank
*Casa Maria
*Junior League of Tucson
*League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson
*Sister Jose Women’s Center
*Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona
*Youth On Their Own

How you can help
I’m looking for volunteers to help engage more nonprofits, community leaders, elected officials, and other concerned citizens. If you would like to help, please email me at arizonaunpinked@gmail.com.

I believe that if we can raise our collective voice, we will make a real difference to the women, girls, and elderly in Arizona.