Albany, NY – Today, New York State passed a budget that includes provisions that prohibit charging more for similar products on the basis of gender, a practice referred to as the “pink tax.” State Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic issued the following statements:

Assemblywoman Rozic said, “The pink tax is a form of institutionalized discrimination that continuously hits women’s wallets from the cradle to the grave. It is no surprise that women spend significantly more money over the course of their lifetime on similar products and services. We must ensure that the market works for every consumer and prevents discriminatory pricing solely based on gender.”

State Senator Mayer said, “I am pleased that New York State is leading the way with this consumer protection legislation that I sponsored along with Assemblymember Nily Rozic. Consumers should not have to pay a higher price for products that are substantially similar but cost more simply because they are marketed to women & girls. The price difference adds up year after year to acute economic discrimination against women & girls. Axing the “Pink Tax” builds on the state’s commitment to women by eliminating the tax on menstrual products, banning salary history questions, and allowing campaign donations to be used for childcare.”

The legislation prohibits charging different prices for substantially similar items and services solely on the basis of gender. The Attorney General is given a right of action to ensure effective enforcement. The provisions include language originally proposed in the Mayer-Rozic which passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support last June.