Democratic lawmaker proposes offering free tampons in schools, state buildings

MADISON — A Democratic legislator is proposing offering free tampons in schools and state buildings.


Rep. Melissa Sargent of Madison introduced a bill on Friday that calls for offering free tampons and sanitary napkins in publicly funded schools — including voucher schools — and state buildings.

She says she doesn't know how much the bill would cost yet. But she says tampons and sanitary napkins are as much a basic necessity as soap and toilet paper. She says more and more women are working and going to school and they shouldn't be caught off-guard.

The bill faces an uphill battle. Republicans control both the Assembly and Senate. Spokeswomen for both Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald didn't immediately return an email message Monday afternoon seeking comment.