COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — At first glance, the all-male South Carolina Senate subcommittee deciding whether to approve a proposal to remove the sales tax from feminine hygiene products was a reminder that as recently as 2012 the state had no women in its Senate.
But progress is being made. The election of a sixth woman to the 46-member Senate in January pulled South Carolina up from last place in the U.S. in the percentage of women in its upper chamber.
No one noted the composition of the all-male Senate Finance subcommittee and they listened to five women speak in favor of the bill before ceding the floor to Republican Sen. Katrina Shealy, who broke the chamber’s four-year run with no women in 2013.
“I know we have a lot to do, but we can always do one more thing,” said Shealy, who spoke about how important it is to keep products like pads and tampons affordable and available, especially for younger women already struggling in poverty.
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: A very good day for our united kingdom
The Village Super League and the rural awakening
World benefits from greater China
Denise Welch confirms she's moved house after knife
Inside the lives of the Grand National WAGs: Horse racing's star
Cultural events in Yanqing to mark Dragon Boat Festival
Benjamin Mendy has bankruptcy case dismissed: Ex
Flood relief work strengthened in China's Guangdong
2 men are charged with cutting down famous 150
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution