ah I typed one address wrong so it came back. Here is what I wrote:
Subject:Changes needed to the Consumer Product Improvement Act (CPSIA) to Save Handmade Toys in the USA
From: Bethany hall of FLix bits etsy shop (www.eliea.etsy.com)
Like many people, I was deeply concerned by the dangerous and poisonous toys that large Chinese toy manufacturers have been selling to our nations families. And, I was very pleased that Congress acted quickly to protect America's children by enacting the CPSIA.
However, I am very concerned that the CPSIA's mandates for third party testing and labeling will have a dramatic and negative effect on small toy makers and in the USA, Canada, and Europe, whose toy safety record
has always been exemplary. It will also devastate small manufacturers of children's clothes and other handmade goods for children.
Because of the fees charged by Third Party testing companies, many toy makers, especially makers of unique and beautiful wooden toys and unique children's clothes from Maine to Oregon will be driven out of business.
Their cottage workshops simply do not make enough money to afford the $4,000 price tag per toy that Third Party testers are charging.
These toy makers and crafters have earned and kept the publics trust. They provide jobs for hundreds and quality playthings for thousands.
Their unique businesses should be protected. Please visit www.handmadetoyalliance.org to learn more about this issue.
As one of these crafters of toys I work very hard to make sure my items
are made of recycled, natural or child safe materials. Most of my toys are hand crocheted with acrylic yarn made from recycled plastic bottles, or wool or cotton yarn. I currently use poly-fil stuffing and plastic
Safety eyes. A Child's safety is my goal. I have a baby brother and sister who are both under 4. I even make some toys that have embroidered parts just to be baby safe.
I am not asking that this law be removed or even suggesting it was a horrible idea. I just feel that it was executed poorly and will cause problems to not only my income but our all ready declining economy.
I personally have all ready signed petitions written my representative and plan to write my senator as well as mail a toy I've personally made that will be deemed "hazardous materials" after February 2009 to Rep.
Bobby Rush (chair of the committee on Energy and Commerce).
For more information on this please check out the following links:
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5949146&page=1I felt this is a problem that needs to gain more awareness and hope you will pay it the attention it deserves.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Bethany
