RESOLUTION NO. 318
ESTABLISHING A MENSTRUAL EQUITY POLICY FOR ALBANY COUNTY FACILITIES AND AMENDING THE 2021 ALBANY COUNTY BUDGET
Introduced: 9/13/21
By Ms. McLean Lane, Messrs. Feeney, A. Joyce and Ms. Cunningham, Messrs. Beston, Bruschi, Ms. Chapman, Messrs. Clay, Cleary, Commisso, Domalewicz, Efekoro, Ethier, Fein, R. Joyce, Kuhn, Ms. Lekakis, Mr. Mayo, Mss. McLaughlin, Mclean Lane, Messrs. Miller, Reidy, Reinhardt, Ricard, Simpson, Smith and Ms. Willingham:
WHEREAS, Menstruation is a natural monthly occurrence experienced by more than half the population for much of their lives, and should not be treated differently than any other basic bodily function, be considered "taboo" or otherwise stigmatized in any way, and
WHEREAS, Menstrual products are vital for the health, well-being and full participation of individuals throughout the County, and the ability to access these items affects a person's freedom to work, study, stay healthy, and engage in the world with basic dignity, and
WHEREAS, Menstrual products are basic necessities, much like toilet paper and soap, and should never be treated as luxury items or accessories, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Legislature finds that 86% of menstruating people in the United States have found themselves in need of menstrual products while in public, and 79% of menstruating people have been forced to "create" a tampon or pad out of toilet paper or other non-hygienic items, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Legislature believes that all people, including its employees and those who use County facilities, should have guaranteed access to free menstrual products, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature, that it shall be the policy of Albany County that menstrual products, including tampons and sanitary pads/napkins, shall be made available in all appropriate County-owned or managed facility restrooms designated female or unisex, at no cost to recipients, and, be it further
RE...
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