2023 work and looking forward to 2024
We each testified separately for the tax relief bills, but we wrote the testimony together to make sure that we were not being repetitive and that we were hitting all our key messages. That first year at the capitol was hard going, with many legislators telling us that diaper need was “not a problem” because churches were filling the gap informally. As you might imagine, none of the sales tax bills passed.
That only made us more determined this year to educate legislators and the public about diaper need and period poverty. We came back stronger and saw more bills introduced and getting farther along in the process. Though we did not ultimately do away with the diaper tax and the tampon tax, we came much closer. We also contributed to the passage of other bills that address child poverty and support our work. Come January 2024, we will try once more. We believe the third time will be the charm, judging by how much progress we have already made.
Legislative advocacy is a key part of the Missouri Coalition of Diaper Banks’ work, but by no means all of it. There are still counties in northern Missouri that are not served by diaper or period supply banks. Together, we are figuring out the most efficient way to get service to Missourians in that region.
I would encourage every state to form a coalition of basic needs banks. NDBN will give you the assistance you need to be effective agents for policy change. You will give each other more support and priceless information than you can imagine, all to the great benefit of the people you serve.
Learn more about the Missouri Diaper Bank Coalition.
