New York will no longer tax women’s periods. Period.

Governor Andrew Cuomo ended the “tampon tax” on Thursday in New York state, putting an end to a 4 percent sales tax on menstrual products. Many estimate this new law, which will go into effect in September, will save women in New York an estimated $10 million a year.

Six states, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and now New York, do not tax menstrual products like tampons and pads.

But that’s not all New York is doing to improve women’s health and well-being. New York City also recently made history with the nation’s first legislative package to ensure access to menstrual products in public schools, shelters and corrections facilities, according to a recent Times blog, by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf.

“New York has stepped out as a leader in a growing national and global movement for menstrual equity. The city’s new laws acknowledge that the ability to manage menstruation falls squarely at the intersection of sound health, economic and educational policy.”

New York City council member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland praised the legislation and even waved a tampon to show her support, “this is just as much about eliminating stigma as it is about providing free access to health products.”

View the complete article from the Huffington Post.

Image courtesy of bustle.com