Jessica McClellan, President and founder of Giving Hope & Help Inc., her nonprofit to help end period poverty and fight the stigma that surrounds menstruation, has been a longtime advocate of ending sales tax on period products.
It’s a win for Giving Hope and Help, as Missouri repealed its sales tax on period products. House Bill 594 was signed into law on May 7, 2025. Sales tax will now be removed on items such as tampons, pads, liners, and cups. This bill also exempts diapers and incontinence products from sales tax. While some critics say it won’t make much of a financial difference, those raising awareness about the financial burden people face every menstrual cycle argue there is symbolic importance, despite some controversy. The issue? Passing this bill eliminates the state’s capital gains tax. Jessica shares more on that and the upcoming 12th Anniversary Scholarship Awards Program, June 28th.