The Chicago City Council eliminated a city sales tax on feminine hygiene projects this week.
The vote followed a recommendation by the City Council’s finance committee last week, which was made without opposition.
The items are taxed at 10 and a quarter percent in Chicago.
The vote will remove Chicago’s portion of the tax, which is about 1 and a quarter percent. It will still include state and Cook County sales tax.
As a result of the vote, tampons and sanitary napkins are now characterized as medical necessities so they can be exempted.
The issue has gained national attention and seven states are considering legislation to eliminate the tax. Illinois lawmakers recently advanced a measure to exempt feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax, which is 6 and a quarter percent.
The City of DeKalb taxes feminine products at 8 percent. That includes state, county and home rule tax.