In public buildings in the city of Moosburg, there will soon be free toiletries for women.
But the initiative against “period poverty” also has critics.
Moosburg
- In the city of Moosburg's public facilities, free menstrual items will be made available to women in the future.
City councilor Stefan John (left) repeated his application from the previous year at the budget consultations in 2021 - and this time it was successful.
His move received a slim majority in the finance committee.
John had taken the change in the tax rate from 19 to seven percent by the Bundestag as an opportunity to take up the issue.
Shortly after the tax breaks for sanitary towels and tampons, the manufacturers raised their prices.
"The current Hartz IV standard rate does not even provide ten euros for hygiene articles, which is by far not enough," wrote John in his application.
One must counteract “period poverty”, as otherwise poorer people would not be able to go to work or school during the special days.
John therefore applied for a budget of 8,000 euros with the free provision of menstrual items in municipal facilities, the town hall or educational institutions.
Mayor fears abuse - Fresh city councilor counters
Mayor Josef Dollinger (FW) suggested that the application be rejected.
He pointed out that the articles had different sizes, which increased the already great effort.
The administration also warned of abuse and vandalism in its statement.
Julia Neumayr (Fresh) did not want to leave it like that: "We should look at abuse and vandalism with menstrual articles, please?" But Dollinger stuck to his opinion and said that it was not a municipal duty.
"Then the next comes with toothpaste and the next with deodorant," warned the town hall chief.
The committee thought differently and decided with 7-5 votes that the menstrual items would be made available free of charge in the coming year.
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