COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bye-bye, pink tax.
This April, Ohio joins several states in dropping the sales tax on feminine products. Things such as pads and tampons will no longer be taxed as if they are luxury items.
In July, it will also be “goodbye” to front license plates, a move that will save the state $1.5 million and be less-cumbersome to front-bumper technology.
Yet police are fighting it, claiming the change will make their jobs harder. Law enforcement and lawmakers are still pushing back.
Also new in 2020 is a major security change at the nation’s airports.
Starting in October, those wishing to fly must present a compliant driver’s license, passport, or military ID card.
Already in Ohio, you will know your ID is compliant by a star in the upper-right corner. If you do not see one, the TSA recommends renewing now.
“Get it done early so you don’t have any issues on October first,” said Thomas Cuellar, TSA.
In the meantime, some Ohioans can now start looking forward to more money in their paycheck.
Beginning today, the minimum wage is $8.70, up 15 cents from $8.55.
Tipped employees will begin making $4.35 an hour.
Both figures, however, remain short of the $15 minimum wage that unions have been endorsing for years.
Also starting today, drivers of electric and hybrid cars will have to pay higher annual registration fees.
A $200 charge will be added for electrics and a $100 for hybrids.
Among the highest rates in the nation, the money will go into road infrastructure and compensate for the state’s declining revenue from its gas tax.