NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, secured $50,000 in state funding to support an East Tennessee nonprofit that provides feminine hygiene products to schools across the region.
Be Her Hero was founded by Eliza Girton, of Greeneville, when she was just 10 years old to help supply feminine hygiene products to young women who may not otherwise have access to them.
“Feminine hygiene products are essential, not a luxury, and the work Be Her Hero is doing helps bring dignity to young women across our region,” Davis said. “This state funding is an important step toward keeping girls healthy, confident and in the classroom. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for supporting Eliza’s mission.”
Tennessee currently taxes menstrual products as non-essential luxury goods, which means public assistance programs such as TANF and WIC do not cover the cost of these necessary items.
During the 113th and 114th General Assembly, Davis advocated for free feminine hygiene products in all public and charter high schools through the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act.
“I am so grateful that this appropriation will serve as a bridge while we continue advocating for the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act,” Girton said. “I cannot thank Rep. Davis and Rep. David Hawk enough for supporting my journey with Be Her Hero. Rep. Davis continues to advocate for women not only in East Tennessee, but across this incredible Volunteer State. Be Her Hero started as a grassroots idea to help girls in my community, and Rep. Davis has helped us take that idea to the next level so we can continue to make meaningful change throughout Tennessee.”
The appropriated funds are part of a $58.3 billion balanced budget passed by the General Assembly in April.
This year’s budget highlights lawmakers’ continued efforts to keep taxes low and remain fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of Tennesseans. It advances Republican initiatives to strengthen public schools, streamline transportation projects, improve public health and safety, and make the Volunteer State a beacon for families.
Elaine Davis represents District 18 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Knox County.
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