Calling All Activists! HB117 Is Underway!
Mark your calendars for April 10th, change-makers! A new bill referred to as HB117 is being introduced in session. This bill and the women behind it are working to combat period poverty among students.
Just as a refresher, period poverty is when an under-resourced individual does not have access to menstrual hygiene products, like tampons and pads. It affects 165.9 MILLION women, who have to spend an average of $225 a year on period products. Without access to products, women resort to using items like toilet paper, socks, cotton balls or even free bleeding, which can put a strain on a woman or cause her to feel embarrassed.
This is why we’re calling on you! HB117 will provide relief for students in particular and people affected by period poverty. This bill will secure access to and require free menstruation products in Louisiana public schools for students in grades 5-12. Nearly 1 in 4 girls are affected by period poverty and have missed class due to lack of access to period supplies. Women are better together; with help from strong advocates like you, we can ensure that period equity and access are free and accessible to students.
So, who’s leading this bill?
Meet Aimee Adatto Freeman!
A Louisiana State representative and champion for women, Aimee Adatto Freeman is leading the charge for period equity at the capitol as the author of HB117! Since 2019, Freeman has served and represented District 98 in New Orleans. She has consistently put women at the forefront of her work by sponsoring the elimination of the Pink Tax and currently the acceleration of HB117.
How can I get involved?
We took a poll and 200 of you answered. 61% of our poll responses indicated you don't know or can't remember the process of how a bill becomes law. Knowing how the system works is pertinent to know what you advocate for and when. We‘re making it really easy for you to keep up and get involved! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our socials to stay updated on the bill and its stage on its way to becoming a law!
You can also contact your state reps to demand change through the mail, e-mail, telephone, fax or in person! We’ll share email templates to help you get started, but you can look here to see who you’re state senator and representative are!
In honor of our equity, period. campaign supporting the new bill, we have merch! Shop with us and pick up this sweatshirt to show your support! You can also donate to Power Pump Girls to help us help you in staying updated on the bill and combatting period poverty, especially for students.
Join us as we fight for women, girls, students and anyone who menstruates. Worrying about our periods shouldn’t affect our education. We all deserve equity, period.
