In support of The I AM bill: An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools.

WHEREAS: Half the world menstruates, and like all other basic bodily functions, menstruation is not a choice; and WHEREAS: Period poverty is a public health issue, and addressing period poverty can help eliminate economic inequity, educational disparities and can improve health; and WHEREAS: The federal government does not allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funds to be used for menstrual products; and WHEREAS: Approximately 1 out of 10 who menstruate in Massachusetts live in poverty and struggle to pay for menstrual products; and WHEREAS: A 2019 study by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass NOW) found over half of school nurses reported students missed class to obtain menstrual products and a quarter of shelters did not distribute menstrual products; and WHEREAS: The I AM Bill, (H.534/S.2491): An Act to Increase Access to Disposable Menstrual Products in Prisons, Homeless Shelters and Public Schools, is critical state legislation that will provide free menstrual products in Massachusetts elementary and secondary public schools, homeless shelters and prisons, and; WHEREAS: The I AM Bill is being considered by the Massachusetts State Legislature, and in October 2023, passed the Senate unanimously for the second consecutive legislative session; and WHEREAS: The I AM Bill is endorsed by numerous professional associations including the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, AFT MA, Massachusetts Medical Society Women, NASW-MA, National Women's Law Center, The School Superintendent Association of MA; and WHEREAS: Somerville women, girls and all who menstruate have the right to live their lives as fully as those who do not menstruate with access to basic health supplies like no-cost menstrual products; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That passing the I AM Bill will help support Somerville alongside all other Massachusetts communities and organizations throughout the Commonwealth achieve menstrual equity; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports the passage of the I AM Bill this legislative session.