My Senator hates handmade...

[#1]

Seriously... I wrote him a four paragraph, eloquently worded essay on the handmade community, its importance to our economy and the loss the CPSIA would create... and this is what I received back:

****Thank you for contacting me regarding the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

On November 1, 2007, Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced the CPSC Reform Act (H.R. 4040). Besides increasing funding for the CPSC, this bill strengthens civil penalties for violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act, outlaws children's products containing lead, and makes it illegal for retailers to sell recalled products. Additionally, H.R. 4040 requires the commission to enforce whistleblower protections for employees of manufacturers, importers and CPSC workers. This measure was passed by the House of Representatives on December 19, 2007, without opposition. On July 31, 2008, the Senate passed H.R. 4040 with my full support by a vote 89 to 3. On August 14, 2008, the President signed this bill into law.

I am committed to providing the Consumer Produced Safety Commission with the tools and resources it needs to carry out its vital mission. As we proceed in the 111th Congress, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind regarding any additional legislation involving the CPSC.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.****

His first paragraph described the CPSIA to me, like I'm some sort of idiot... and his second one essentially told me to go jump off a bridge. Seriously, in my four paragraph dissection of the CPSIA did he not get that I understood it and researched it?

Jeez.

Jen

[Former_Member]

This is exactly the same kind of response that I got when I wrote my Senator about the pending Orphan Works Act (which would make it pretty much acceptable for anyone to grab copyrighted art from the internet or any source they choose and use it for profit). It makes me upset to see this attitude toward the arts in our government, I hope that things change one day.

[ara133photography]

ugh that's annoying!

I wrote to mine, and he actually sent back a letter that addressed the specific concerns I had - I couldn't even tell it was a form letter! I'm thinking his secretary has paragraphs written up to fit various concerns? Either way, I was actually happy with what he sent - amazing!

[bobbinalong]

I don't know how you all feel but I can't imagine what is going on in Congress right now in January. The new Administration with all of the problems it is dealing with, various wars, the Inauguration just to name a few. When President Obama asked Congress to put a hold on the digital TV situation for four or five months, I thought why couldn't they put a hold on the CPSIA until Congress has time to figure it out, read it, decide the correct way to regulate it. I am so afraid they will rush through it again and we will suffer the consequences. I would like to see them put a HOLD on it for even a year. Nothing will change. We will continue as we have been. Our items will be no more "unsafe" as they call it, for a while longer. Any thoughts?

[Former_Member]

I received similar replies in response to the emails I sent my senators and congressman. I was really disheartened by it all, until I got a phone call yesterday from one of my Senator's office staff in DC. I posted a thread about it, but essentially she was saying that the Senator was on it and concerned, having received many emails, phone calls, and correspondences in the last three weeks or so. They are now in contact with the CPSC and the appropriate Subcommittee.

It is working and we are getting through to them!

[Former_Member]

You know what's funny, it was Mel Martinez! lol.

I've never gotten a form letter directed specifically towards my item of interest -- it's usually just "Thanks for the contact." It threw me off.

I didn't even get responses from Bill Nelson or Feeney (who was a lame-duck anyway), so (apparently) it's just not important to Florida.

Ah well... I'll call the news stations, they've been bored ever since the Anthony case stopped attracting attention (about the time they found the poor little girl).

Jen

[Former_Member]

Don't give up! Even if they don't read them, flooding their inboxes with mail is bound to get their notice!

[Former_Member]

I called both of my Senators and my Rep. Senator #1's office asked thoughtful questions such as "Are you a small business person who will be affected by this law?". Senator #2's office offered to send the standard form letter on the subject, sigh...

Rep's office was wonderfully responsive and agreed that this law needs to be overhauled.

Keep calling.

[HipKidsTyeDye]

yup canned letter. Write again pointing out what he didn't address. Then write again. And again. It's tiresome, I know. I'm into my 4th round of letters. Each time I point out some new vagueness with the law or the exemptions or how it doens't make sense to pass law filled with "gotchas".

Keep it up.

[MidnightCreations]

There was another etsy member who got a respons to their CSPIA letter, thanking them for their concern about the auto industry.

[Former_Member]

then I hate your senator!! <insert lots of mean faces, pouting, and raspberries here>

*sigh*

[TheFairiesNest]

Seriously It is really important to CALL their offices and complain if you get a letter that is so obviously not responsive. They are our representatives and should be held accountable and it's our right as their constituents to be heard.

[Former_Member]

Well, at least you know someone on his staff read enough of your letter to know the topic before sending you the blanket statement letter they did. (sarcastic)

[1OrangeDogStudio]

ok well...i just received this email from my Senator...something you all may or may not have known...

Thank you for contacting me.I am always glad to hear from you.I appreciate hearing your comments regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). I was a proud co-sponsor of this legislation.

This past year, Iowa's families were frightened by story after story of dangerous products that had to be recalled. There were 472 product recalls last year alone. From pet food to kitchen appliances, consumers were often
left wondering whether the products they were using everyday were safe.One of the most upsetting occurrences was the news of toxic toys that contained hazardous lead paint. More than 20 million toys were recalled last year due to lead paint.

As you know, in order to better protect consumers, Congress passed the CPSIA to provide new safety and accountability standards for manufactured
goods. It also authorized a much needed infusion of resources to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the federal agency responsible for protecting American consumers. Recent recalls have made it painfully
clear that the CPSC is grossly underfunded and understaffed. The bill we passed will ensure the CPSC can beef up its staff and provide the oversight Americans expect.

One important safety provision included in the bill is the requirement of third-party testing and certification for children's products. I believe this is a crucial provision. It is vital that Americans know the products
they are purchasing, especially for their children, are safe. I also recognize that this testing process may create a burden for small manufacturers. For that reason, I am pleased the law provides an exemption for crafters who only make one copy of each item. Furthermore, I
understand the Commission is examining an additional exemption for products made from untreated wood or natural fibers. I am also hopeful that as more testing companies are founded, the costs of meeting the law's
requirements will come down.

I do not, however, favor a blanket exemption for all small businesses. Many recalls in the past have come from small manufacturers, and it is imperative that parents know that a product does not contain lead, no
matter who manufactured it. While I am extremely sympathetic that this requirement may be a significant burden for many small businesses, I believe our children's health and safety must come first and testing is a necessary safeguard.

Again, thanks for sharing your views with me. Please don't hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.

Sincerely,


Tom Harkin
United States Senator

[Former_Member]

so where did he get his source regarding the OOAK exemption?

[Former_Member]

I like they way they try to use their own retoric to get you all confused..

what ever!!

be a thorn on his backside..a squeaky wheel goes noticed..

[simplexities]

"For that reason, I am pleased the law provides an exemption for crafters who only make one copy of each item."

Where is this in the Act? I asked about that specific situation (to the Commission), and got no answer. It's not int he FAQs, either.

[Former_Member]

Like others have said, it's a form response. I got the same thing from my representative. I did write back and explain more candidly what I was specifically concerned about, and received a nice written response that acknowledged my concern.

[LittleCritters00]

ugh...disgusting

[Former_Member]

cowandpigdesigns says:
I like they way they try to use their own retoric to get you all confused..

You said it!! Maybe if they confuse us enough, we'll go away... ;)

[dancingcircle]

I missed the part where your senator says he "hates handmade"

[Former_Member]

I think the OP was just venting about the fact that neither her Senator nor any of his aides took any time to read her letter.

I'm sorry about that, MadeByMoms. Please follow up with another letter explaining that their response did not address any of your concerns. They are supposed to be working for you! :)

[Former_Member]

It can be hard to feel a part of things when we don't really get heard.

[Former_Member]

Even though I don't currently make things for children, I just wanted you all to know that I signed a petition in support of changing the law; also will be creating my next treasury dedicated to this issue. It will be titled "Hearts to You". Here's hoping for change...

[1OrangeDogStudio]

i wrote back to Senator Harkin requesting more information about this exemption.

[Former_Member]

I got a very similar form letter and realized that he didn't even read mine. I have since written again and no response this time.