Rally a Success! But Amend the CPSIA Needs More Congressional Support.
Stamford, CT, April 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Members of the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA) gathered Wednesday at the Amend the CPSIA rally in Washington DC (www.amendtheCPSIA.com). The rally was the first of its kind to bring together the diverse constituents impacted by the unintended consequences of the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (2008). Speakers at the rally included 7 members of Congress and representatives from many of the 25 sponsoring organizations, including the Handmade Toy Alliance. Cecilia Leibovitz of Montpelier, VT, Rob Wilson of Ashland, MA and Jill Chuckas of Stamford, CT represented the HTA – sharing their stories as speakers at the event.
Hundreds of people gathered at the rally in DC creating a standing room only event. Thousands also viewed the event live via web-cast at www.amendtheCPSIA.com. Those who were not able to watch live will be able to download the video later this week on the web-site. Over and over consistent themes were heard in each speakers presentation, including difficulties in understanding the CPSIA, problems with implementation, cost prohibitive redundant testing protocols, unrealistic timetables, and, overall, the need for common sense changes quickly before even more small businesses are forced to close. Additionally, scientific information was presented questioning the validity of the manner the CPSIA addresses lead and phthalates – looking at total lead in products, rather than a risk based approach that would consider dosage.
Following the rally, many went on to attend meetings with members of Congress and their staff, hoping to drum up support for a technical amendment of the CPSIA. More than 40 meetings where held on Capitol Hill, seeking bi-partisan support for common sense changes. “Throughout the day, we impressed on our legislators that this is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is, instead, an issue in which we can all come together from various diverse political backgrounds and do what is right for small business in this country,” shared Jill Chuckas from Crafty Baby.
“We needed to assure our members of Congress that we believe in child safety. We want products that are free from toxins and healthy for our families. We believe in the intention of the CPSIA,” states Cecilia Leibovitz of Craftsbury Kids. “That being said, it was encouraging to hear that many of the members of Congress we met with agreed that common sense needed to prevail in the implementation of the CPSIA.”
Moving forward, the HTA will continue to work together as small business owners to amend the CPSIA. “Time is of the essence,” confirms Rob Wilson of Challenge and Fun. “The August 2009 implementation of third party testing and batch labeling requirements will be here before we know it and with it, the closing of thousands of businesses throughout the country and within our membership.”
The Handmade Toy Alliance is a grassroots alliance of 326 toy stores, toymakers and children's product manufacturers from across the country, who want to preserve consumer access to unique handmade toys, clothes and children's goods in the USA. They are parents, grandparents and consumers who are passionate about their businesses as well as the safety of the children in their lives. While in support of the spirit of the law, the unintended consequences of the CPSIA has motivated them to work to enact change at a federal level.
Dan Marshall, Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care (St. Paul, MN)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 651-695-5559
dan@peapods.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Jill Chuckas, Crafty Baby, Owner, Designer (Stamford, CT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-788-5168
jill@craftybaby.com www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Cecilia Leibovitz, President
Craftsbury Kids (Montpelier,VT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 802-223-7143
ceci@craftsburykids.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Rob Wilson, Vice President, Challenge & Fun
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-384-6200
hta@challengeandfun.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
###
Hundreds of people gathered at the rally in DC creating a standing room only event. Thousands also viewed the event live via web-cast at www.amendtheCPSIA.com. Those who were not able to watch live will be able to download the video later this week on the web-site. Over and over consistent themes were heard in each speakers presentation, including difficulties in understanding the CPSIA, problems with implementation, cost prohibitive redundant testing protocols, unrealistic timetables, and, overall, the need for common sense changes quickly before even more small businesses are forced to close. Additionally, scientific information was presented questioning the validity of the manner the CPSIA addresses lead and phthalates – looking at total lead in products, rather than a risk based approach that would consider dosage.
Following the rally, many went on to attend meetings with members of Congress and their staff, hoping to drum up support for a technical amendment of the CPSIA. More than 40 meetings where held on Capitol Hill, seeking bi-partisan support for common sense changes. “Throughout the day, we impressed on our legislators that this is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is, instead, an issue in which we can all come together from various diverse political backgrounds and do what is right for small business in this country,” shared Jill Chuckas from Crafty Baby.
“We needed to assure our members of Congress that we believe in child safety. We want products that are free from toxins and healthy for our families. We believe in the intention of the CPSIA,” states Cecilia Leibovitz of Craftsbury Kids. “That being said, it was encouraging to hear that many of the members of Congress we met with agreed that common sense needed to prevail in the implementation of the CPSIA.”
Moving forward, the HTA will continue to work together as small business owners to amend the CPSIA. “Time is of the essence,” confirms Rob Wilson of Challenge and Fun. “The August 2009 implementation of third party testing and batch labeling requirements will be here before we know it and with it, the closing of thousands of businesses throughout the country and within our membership.”
The Handmade Toy Alliance is a grassroots alliance of 326 toy stores, toymakers and children's product manufacturers from across the country, who want to preserve consumer access to unique handmade toys, clothes and children's goods in the USA. They are parents, grandparents and consumers who are passionate about their businesses as well as the safety of the children in their lives. While in support of the spirit of the law, the unintended consequences of the CPSIA has motivated them to work to enact change at a federal level.
Dan Marshall, Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care (St. Paul, MN)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 651-695-5559
dan@peapods.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Jill Chuckas, Crafty Baby, Owner, Designer (Stamford, CT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-788-5168
jill@craftybaby.com www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Cecilia Leibovitz, President
Craftsbury Kids (Montpelier,VT)
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 802-223-7143
ceci@craftsburykids.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Rob Wilson, Vice President, Challenge & Fun
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Tel. 888-384-6200
hta@challengeandfun.com
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
###
Contact
The Handmade Toy Alliance
Jill Chuckas
888-788-5168
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
Jill Chuckas
888-788-5168
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
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