Dear Governor Brown,
First, let me start off by saying I understand that being a governor is a difficult job and comes with making tough decisions, based on what is best for California as a whole. This is no easy feat, especially when it comes to bills that either add/ take away taxes on items. However, when a bill negatively impacts 51% of the constituents in your state based on their mere biology, this is an issue. Yes, Gov. Brown, I'm talking about Assembly Bill 1561 that would eliminate the tax on feminine products and diapers that you vetoed. Not cool.
As a voting resident of California and a female, I am definitely not thrilled about your decision to keep the tax. First off, it is bad enough that, as a woman, you have to endure having a period once a month for the majority of your life let alone having to purchase expensive feminine hygiene products. On top of all of that, having to pay an extra tax on these necessary items puts the cherry on the already sucky sundae that is being a woman in our society (along with unequal pay, sexism, and the price of "pink").
Do not get me wrong, governor, I am not blaming you for all of the negative aspects in our society that marginalize the female sex. However, I am asking you to help alleviate one major financial burden that impacts all women, especially those of a lower socio-economic status. The fact that feminine hygiene products are already costly is bad enough, but having to pay a tax on them is appalling.
Another point is that this tax negatively impacts women becasue they are typically the ones who purchase feminine products and diapers. This is problematic because, not only do we make less than men, a larger portion of our relatively small income is already allocated to to purchasing items such as tampons and diapers. Do you see the issue here Gov Brown?
Please do your part in fighting against sexism.
Yours,
51% of your voting population who elected you to be our voice