IWF VP for Policy Hadley Heath Manning’s testimony can be found HERE once the hearing begins at 12 p.m. EDT.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) Vice President for Policy Hadley Heath Manning will testify in front of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce at 12 p.m. ET tomorrow, May 26, on the so-called “Pink Tax” and economic policies that impact women and families.
The hybrid hearing, entitled “Legislative Hearing to Protect Consumers and Strengthen the Economy,” will review a range of proposed legislation including H.R. 3853, the “Pink Tax Repeal Act.”
Manning, the only minority witness, will testify alongside majority witnesses: Katlin Kraska, director of federal legislation at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Julie Menin, former commissioner at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs; Michael O’Neal, vice president of corporate underwriting at First American Title Insurance Company; Trista Hamsmith, founder and Reese’s mom at Reese’s Purpose; Eric D. Hagopian, CEO and president at Pilot Precision Products; and Tori Barnes, executive Vice President of public affairs at the U.S. Travel Association.
In her testimony, Manning writes, “We should clarify that the Pink Tax isn’t a tax at all. If it were, I would be in favor of repealing it! But the term refers not to a government levy but to the disparity in pricing between products marketed to men versus women. Some women’s products and services, most notably those oriented to personal care and hygiene, cost more than similar products made and marketed to men.”
She adds, “But — and this is critically important — a disparity isn’t always evidence of discrimination. In this case, the disparity actually represents diversity: The robust, free, and capitalist American marketplace is capable of providing millions of products that are customized to the diverse American population. This is something to celebrate, not squelch.”
Manning’s full testimony can be found HERE once the hearing begins.
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Independent Women’s Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.