This blog post was authored by Summer 2025 Undergraduate Intern Cha Cha Rubin.
After hearing about Missouri’s General Assembly passing a bill that would significantly improve the lives of many low-income families, I felt hope. We hope to see more family-positive change in Missouri, giving support to those in need, and potentially even creating more legislation to increase affordable options for those in need.
On May 14th, 2025, Missouri House Bill 594 was passed by the state legislature to eliminate the “pink tax” on feminine hygiene products and diapers. Governor Kehoe signed the bill into law on July 10, 2025.
“Pink taxing” an item refers to the increase in pricing of products marketed towards women versus men. It is easy to understand how this would negatively impact many low-income families. Before this month, Missouri was one of the 20 states that still charged an extra sales tax on feminine hygiene products.
Image from Alliance for Period Supplies
Why This Matters
As a college student, I see firsthand how having a lower income means making tough choices. People my age struggle to afford a meal, forcefully shoving down dining hall food. If girls cannot even buy food for themselves, how are they expected to afford pads, tampons, and diapers?
New legislation, such as H.B. 594, gives students more financial freedom because they are spending less on necessities. Ultimately, instead of picking between dinner and a pad, there is the option for both.
Giving students financial stability and creating more independence allows people my age to build crucial life skills. Seeing the poverty and need those around me have for essential products gives a better understanding of the ways I can help build and sustain a better environment for everyone to thrive.
Fortunately, this bill has highlighted period poverty and lack of diaper resources as an area of concern for Missourians. Cutting the pink tax is a platform for students and every Missourian to understand the consequences of high prices for essential items.
Key Insights
Young girls are constantly being restricted. Told what they could and could not do, how to act, what to wear, and even told that it’s not important for them to be able to afford feminine hygiene products. Passing H.B. 594 lays the groundwork for further access to essential resources that young women need.
I see the ways legislation such as this affects young women, how they go about their lives, and the sacrifices they need to make in order to survive.
It is great to see lawmakers enacting bills to help young Missourians stand a chance in a difficult economy. Seeing a platform and a voice being given to the girls who need it gives me hope for a better future.
