Revere — Two students from Revere schools asked the City Council to approve an ordinance requiring free access to menstrual products in public buildings, and several councilors voiced support before the item was referred to Legislative Affairs.

Julia Figueroa, a junior at Revere High School, and Jamila Figueroa, a seventh grader at GMS, told the council that menstrual products are a necessity and described instances where students or library patrons lacked access at critical moments. Julia said she had a dozen letters from high-school students in support of the measure and cited research indicating missed school days when students lack access to products.

Councilor Greeno Sawaya and Councilor Hamill expressed support, noting the public-health and dignity arguments. Councilor McKenna supported the idea but asked for safeguards to avoid vandalism or misuse and suggested placement where products would be distributed or monitored (for example, a nurse's office or staff area). Councilor Cogliandro noted the item could carry a modest cost to the city and requested a financial impact statement be prepared before a final vote.

Why it matters: Councilors framed access to menstrual products as a public-health and equity issue; the measure would expand access beyond schools to city-run facilities such as libraries and recreation centers.

What’s next: Legislative Affairs will prepare a financial-impact statement and review the ordinance; the council will consider that estimate before final action.

Quotes

"Access to menstrual products is a basic necessity that is often a luxury for many women in our community," Julia Figueroa said.

"I would strongly be in favor of trying to explore ways to challenge this," Councilor Kelly said on a different item; in this hearing several councilors expressed cross-aisle support for the menstrual products ordinance.

Ending: The council referred the ordinance to Legislative Affairs and asked for a cost estimate and implementation plan before returning the item for a vote.