PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — As the national push to abolish taxes on tampons gains momentum, Rhode Island lawmakers who attempted to exempt feminine hygiene products from state sales taxes this year say they hope to try again next year. 

State Sen. Louis DiPalma and Rep. Edith Ajello, like many who are calling for the tax to be repealed, argue that tampons and sanitary pads are necessities for women and shouldn't be subject to state taxation as luxury items.

Their bills stalled in committee during the legislative session that ended in June. Forgoing the tax would cost Rhode Island about $1.1 million in sales tax revenue in the first two years, according to the state.

The Democratic lawmakers say it's difficult to offset that loss. Both said they'll push for it again if they're re-elected in the fall.

"It's a new idea, and the budget is tight," Ajello, of Providence, said Tuesday. "Finding the money to replace even this small amount was an issue."

Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey and Pennsylvania exempt feminine hygiene products from state taxation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Connecticut exempted the products in its most recent budget bill, which takes effect in 2018.

Similar measures passed this year in New York and Illinois and await signatures from governors. Other legislatures are considering the issue.

Rebecca Kislak, president of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Organization for Women, said it's a discriminatory tax that unfairly affects women.

"Rhode Island should be out in front and part of the national effort to make tax policy more equitable," she said.

DiPalma, of Middletown, said the measure will fare better in Rhode Island next year if it's introduced as part of the budget.

"It needs to be part of the budget when the budget is being put together," he said. "It's difficult, once the budget is established, to try to get something put in after the fact."

Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello is open to revisiting the issue next year, his spokesman said.

The legislation also would have eliminated the sales tax on disposable home care medical supplies used for managing chronic conditions, such as blood test strips, single use syringes and inhalers. It would've offset some of the lost revenue by taxing articles of clothing that cost $240 or more, instead of the current bar of $250.