East St. Louis, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, proposed legislation this month that would reduce the tax rate on necessary childcare items, such as baby wipes and diapers.
“Affording the costs associated with having a child can be difficult for many working parents to manage,” said Greenwood. “Often times it takes every penny parents have in order to buy diapers and other necessities.”
Greenwood is the Chief House sponsor of House Bill 3600, which would reduce the tax on diapers and baby wipes to 1%. Currently these items are taxed at 6.25%. Greenwood sees this as an opportunity to lessen the financial burden many working families face as they raise their children. She also understands that some children are raised by single parents, and she sees this bill as a way to help those single parents if they are struggling to provide for their child alone.
“Many families face financial hardships when raising their children,” said Greenwood. “There are other places the state can raise revenue, and we should not be capitalizing on working families.”