This is a must read..call to action..

[Former_Member]

I haven't been around for awhile but am carefully watching the political goings-on regarding CPSIA. A hearing was held last week,finally, to address an amendment to CPSIA. I watched the hearing which is posted on Rick Waldenberg's blog and though a little long it is well worth the time...http://learningresourcesinc.blogspot.com/.

I understand the book publishers are very upset that they were not invited to the hearing. (It was by invitation only.)

Listen carefully to the representive of the special interest groups that attended the hearing. Some of their oppinons regarding risks are way too rigid regarding risks to children. They state there are risks where there are none.

Also please notice the call to action requested by the Handmade Toy Alliance that appears on the opening page of Etsy. It's located at the lower end of the right side column. Notice that there are phone numbers listed for the Minority side that HTA requests you contact.

If you would like to contact the Handmade Toy Alliance here is their group address...handmade-toys@googlegroups.com

It's urgent we respond very loudly and in a widespread fashion by contacting senators, congressmen and congresswomen especially Heny Waxman's office. You should read the amendment and watch the hearing in Rick's blog before you contact anyone so you will be very educated on the amendment and can be specific with your contacts.

There is a split right now between Dems and Reps regarding the amendment. After watching the hearing it is my impression the the Reps are in favor of an amendment and Dems not, so it is very important to contact the dems. You may get a different impression than I (but I don't think you will) so be sure you have all the info and can form your own opinion.

I wish you ALL luck so you can stay in business.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info. I'll take a listen. I'm considering making jewelry for kids so all this will affect me in the future.

[Former_Member]

You can connect to Handmade Toy Alliance via facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/pages/BBs-For-Babies/134871299000#!/ToyAlliance?ref=ts

SouthernBeauty thanks for bringing attention to this very important topic that will impact ALL of us that made kids items!

[Former_Member]

After re-reading my post today I think I over simplified the message regarding the amendment. It seems that what needs to happen is for the bill to go to mark-ups and then have an open discussion. I don't think I made that point clear. Also my statement regarding the Dems and Reps was oversimplified because the disagreement regarding the amendment is not so cut and dry.

Anyway..I posted before I realized that Paperdreams had already posted. Sorry about that. I don't want you to miss her thread. If you are reading my post please see the post by paperdreams. She can answer any questions you have. I just don't want to confuse the issue. It is so important that we get this thing right.

I do however think it is worth your while to watch the hearing.

I'm not going to post again so if you are reading this please don't respond here. I want to let this thread die so Paperdreams post will become the prominent post. It looks like it is already but I just want to be so careful that we all understand exactly what is happening with the amendment. This is so important.

[Former_Member]

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