The PennZone

Harrisburg, Pa ~ Harrisburg, Pa - Governor Josh Shapiro's latest budget proposal includes a significant step towards menstrual equity in Pennsylvania. The budget includes $3 million to provide menstrual hygiene products in schools at no cost to students.

This announcement was made during Menstrual Health Awareness Month, as First Lady Lori Shapiro, the Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women, and the Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement welcomed advocates, nonprofit leaders, medical professionals, researchers, teachers and students to the Governor's Residence to discuss their efforts towards menstrual equity in the state.

The Shapiro Administration has been actively working towards closing gaps in women's healthcare that disproportionately affect low-income families and communities of color. This budget proposal is a major step towards addressing period poverty and ensuring that all students have access to necessary menstrual hygiene products.

First Lady Lori Shapiro has been a strong advocate for this initiative and has been connecting with advocates from across the Commonwealth to discuss menstrual equity and support their work. She has also visited various organizations across Pennsylvania that are fighting period poverty, including The SPOT Period Hub in Philadelphia, Mitzvah Circle in Bucks County, Western PA Diaper Bank, and Adagio Health in Pittsburgh.

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"Josh and I believe that all Pennsylvanians deserve equal opportunities to succeed without unnecessary barriers. By providing free period products in schools, we are empowering young women and girls and reducing stress and trauma for them," said First Lady Lori Shapiro. "I have personally spoken with many young people who have advocated for this initiative and I am proud that our administration is taking steps to support girls across our Commonwealth."

In addition to this budget proposal, May 28th will be proclaimed as Menstrual Hygiene Day for the first time in Pennsylvania. This day will serve as an opportunity to promote menstrual health and hygiene.

Representative Darisha Parker expressed her gratitude towards Governor Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro for prioritizing women and girls' health in this year's budget. "Period poverty was swept under the rug and whispered about for so long, now we are celebrating May 28 as Menstrual Hygiene Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. We couldn't have done it without First Lady Shapiro's advocacy and willingness to listen to the organizations that are doing the important work," she said.

The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women and the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement have also been actively raising awareness about menstrual equity across the Commonwealth. They recently hosted a screening of the documentary Periodical followed by a panel discussion to draw attention to menstrual health needs and highlight proposed investments in the Governor's budget that would provide students with free menstrual products.

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Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women, stated, "The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women is excited to participate in these conversations and highlight the Governor's budget priorities to improve women's health access and outcomes. We were proud to partner with the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement to host the Periodical screening and panel discussion about the importance of menstrual health and uterine wellness. We are honored to work alongside First Lady Lori Shapiro and tireless advocates who help make Pennsylvania a better place for women and girls."

Ruby Mundok, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, also expressed their dedication towards working with Governor Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and the Commission on Women to tackle this issue. "One in four students miss class due to lack of period products in schools. The Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement is dedicated to working with Governor Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and the Commission on Women to tackle this issue and provide students with the products they need," said Mundok.

The importance of providing students with access to menstrual hygiene products has been emphasized by Pennsylvania's young women and girls themselves. The Shapiro Administration has taken note of their voices and is committed to ensuring that all students have peace of mind to focus on their academic learning, attendance, and health. To learn more about the Governor's budget proposal, visit their website.

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