After being vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown last year, a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and diapers is back in front of the state legislature.
Brown vetoed the proposal last year, saying the state cannot afford to lose the revenue.
So this time, Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, is proposing to levy a tax on liquor to cover the loss from tampon and diaper taxes.
"I think when we talk about ladies over liquor or babies over booze, it's something we can all get around," Garcia said.
Garcia also said the alcohol distributors would be taxed at an amount of less than two pennies per drink.
David Ozgo with the Distilled Spirits Council said the liquor tax will hurt people who work in the hospitality industry.
Garcia added that feminine hygiene products are the only gender-specific item taxed in California. And the savings would add up to about a month's worth of tampons or diapers each year.
Adult diapers would also be exempted.
Assembly Bill 479 will need two-thirds of the vote to pass.
