Our Senate Budget Amendment Campaign to Protect Menstrual Equity

We are thrilled to share that the Massachusetts Senate included Amendment #516, filed by Senator Julian Cyr, in its final Senate budget proposal. The amendment preserves $150,000 in funding to support Mass NOW’s menstrual equity work and continue expanding access to free menstrual products across the Commonwealth.

This victory would not have been possible without the incredible advocacy of our community. More than 220 people contacted their State Senators, urging support for the amendment, sending a clear message that menstrual equity matters in every region of Massachusetts. We are also deeply grateful to the 22 Senators who co-sponsored Amendment #516 and stood up for this critical funding.

Since 2021, Mass NOW’s Menstrual Equity Program has distributed nearly one million menstrual products, partnered with more than 130 organizations statewide, and facilitated over 50 workshops and trainings focused on menstrual health, stigma reduction, and access. This funding is essential to sustaining that work at a time when previous state funding sources are ending.

While we are celebrating this important milestone, the work is not over yet. The amendment must still be included in the final state budget through the conference committee process. We will continue advocating to ensure this funding makes it across the finish line and that menstrual equity remains a statewide priority.

Menstrual products are basic necessities–no one should have to miss school, work, or daily activities because they cannot afford them. This campaign showed what is possible when advocates, community organizations, legislators, and supporters work together to demand dignity and access for all.

Thank you to everyone who took action, shared our campaign, contacted legislators, and helped move this work forward. We are proud of what we accomplished together–and we’re ready for the next step.

• Senator Co-sponsor List

  • Senator Cyr

  • Senator Jehlen

  • Senator Rausch

  • Senator Oliveira

  • Senator Keenan

  • Senator Gómez

  • Senator Collins

  • Senator Brady

  • Senator Lewis

  • Senator Payano

  • Senator Kennedy

  • Senator Miranda

  • Senator Eldridge

  • Senator Montigny

  • Senator Fernandes

  • Senator Mark

  • Senator Howard

  • Senator Rush

  • Senator Finegold

  • Senator Lovely

  • Senator O’Connor

  • Senator Creem