White Plains, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators is throwing its support behind an effort in Albany to eliminate gender-based price disparities for similar goods and services, commonly known as the "Pink Tax."

On Monday night legislators voted unanimously to approve a resolution supporting Governor Andrew Cuomo's push to eliminate the widespread practice in which similar goods and services – from dry cleaning to personal care products to toys – are routinely priced higher when they are marketed to women, despite substantial similarities in the products and services.

Legislator Terry Clements (D - New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor), chair of the Intergovernmental Services Committee, which approved the resolution last week, said, "This is an insidious and persistent form of discrimination. Not only does the money add up to thousands of dollars over a lifetime, but the practice reinforces the idea that unequal treatment is normal and acceptable. In taking a stand against the ‘Pink Tax,’ we’re saying emphatically, ‘No, it is not normal or acceptable here.’”

Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky (D - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), said, “It is not enough that most women earn substantially less than men for work of equal value. Women are also charged more than men for many of the products they use. Pink dye instead of blue dye? No, that will cost you more -- maybe 5% more or 10% more. Enough is enough! I thank the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor for taking a stand; and I hope that sexism in pricing soon will be added to the ash heap of history.”

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Women and girls continue to face inequalities in many aspects of their daily lives, and it is unacceptable that they have to pay more than men for similar goods and services. Eliminating the ‘Pink Tax’ by putting an end to gender-based pricing will help to ensure financial success and break down barriers for women. I commend the Westchester County Board of Legislators for joining in our efforts to support eliminating this unfair practice. We do not tolerate discriminatory actions in our state, and ending the ‘Pink Tax’ will advance our efforts to eliminate the gender wage gap and help to achieve full equality for all New Yorkers.”

In his proposed budget last month, Governor Cuomo called for legislation and an awareness campaign to end the practice.

According to a study in 2015 by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs which analyzed prices of similar toys, clothing, personal care and home health products, 42 percent of the time products marketed to women are more expensive than the same products marketed to men. The study found that women's merchandise, on average, cost seven percent more than similar items for men, and in particular, personal care products for women were found to be 13 percent higher.

Board Chair Ben Boykin (D – White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) said, “Over the last few years, the Westchester County Board of Legislators has been out in front on so many important issues – like earned sick leave and raising the age for the purchase of tobacco to 21. I’m proud that this Board is taking a unanimous stand in supporting the State effort to end price discrimination that impact all women, and especially women of color. I look forward to the day when our colleagues in Albany are able to make banning this practice the law in New York.”