My first question:  does the bill permit the *rental* of BF-related items to
be sales-tax-free as well?  The original poster indicated the bill covers
only the sale of items -- and as we well know, renting a hospital-grade
breastpump is a critical step in BF success for some moms in the early
postpartum days.

So -- if the intent of the Maryland Legislature is to show its support for
BF (a good thing), it needs to amend the language to include rental items,
too.

Positives of such a bill:
(1) shows support by MD government for BF.  In turn:
(a) if more moms BF, they (and their babies) stay healthier. Less drain on
state coffers for medical- or illness-related expenses.
(b)  Studies tell us BF'g moms are happier employees.  They work more day.
(Allowing the state to collect, by the way, more in wage taxes than they'd
ever collect in BF-related-sales taxes from one BF'g mom). (c) WIC programs:
as moms BF longer, they can stay in the program longer [I think I'm right on
this...]... allowing all the members of the family to benefit from improved
nutrition, and helping the state  meet its mande in this regard.
(2) Makes it easier for small rental/supplies stations to open, if they do
not have to be collecting and paying sales taxes.  This increases the
availability of these products to the market that needs them.
(3)  Puts BF'g and B'milk on the same footing as medical supplies, medicines
and food items which are NOT taxed.

Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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