Message from Senator DeMint: Call Your Senators about the CPSIA

Vanessa

Story by Vanessa

Published on Feb 03, 2009 in Read

Photo by Senator DeMint

We received the following message from Senator Jim DeMint, who wanted to alert the Etsy community to the legislation he’s proposing. We urge concerned makers and collectors of children’s items to get their individual voices heard. Etsy is hopeful that discussion will lead to child safety and micro-entrepreneurship reinforcing each other.   

First, I would like to thank everyone for all the hard work you have done highlighting the many issues surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for my colleagues. If it was not for your hard work, Capitol Hill would not be paying any attention to this issue. Save Handmade! BuyHandmade.org

Like you, I was pleased to see the stay of the testing requirement that the Consumer Product Safety Commission provided last week, but I am deeply concerned that it will be inadequate in protecting your businesses. Reporters for the Wall Street Journal summed the situation up quite well when they stated, “unless Congress acts, retailers and manufacturers still won’t be allowed to sell products that don’t comply with tougher lead standards that are set to take effect on Feb. 10.” While postponing the testing requirements is welcome news I’m not sure how helpful it is if retailers are not willing to sell your products for fear of massive legal liability. Further, we have seen that some interest groups are trolling shops looking for non-compliant products. This rightly scares retailers. It likely will scare them enough to tell suppliers who haven’t had their products tested to take their goods elsewhere.

Something needs to be done. We need to continue the fight and fix the law.

As many of you know, last week I announced that I am planning to offer legislation to fix the problems contained in the CPSIA.   I’m not going to relist the changes here, but if you haven’t already visited the posting I would encourage you to visit my blog.

However, to make these changes a reality, I’m going to need your help. You need you to call your senator. The number for the switchboard at the U.S. Senate is (202) 224-3121. When you call, tell the operator what state you’re from and that you’d like to speak to one of your senators. Tell them where you are from. Explain how this new law will impact your life. Ask them to support the legislation I am proposing. And be sure to thank them for taking the time to talk with you.

Sending letters to the CPSC isn’t enough. The CPSC can’t fix this problem. Congress needs to act and it is you who must encourage them to do so.

Again, thanks so much for your help with this. I’m going to try my hardest to fix this issue, but I’m going to need your help.  Please continue to get the word out on this issue. My staff will continue to post updates on this issue on my blog and on twitter. Please keep an eye on my blog and follow my staffer’s twitter for further information.

See more posts on the CPSIA issue on the Etsy blog.

Visit the Buy Handmade blog for more news.

Discuss: 59 comments

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59 comments

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  • prettydreamer

    prettydreamer says:

    Thanks for keeping us informed!

    3 years ago

  • RocketScienceShop

    RocketScienceShop says:

    Wow! Thanks for your help. I know that lots of Etsians have been working hard on this. I will be calling my Senators...

    3 years ago

  • breadandroses

    breadandroses says:

    Thank you for keeping us updated. Thank you Sen. DeMint for stepping up to the plate and proposing substative changes, not just delays. To reiterate: we all must contact our state senators asap!

    3 years ago

  • BundleBaby

    BundleBaby says:

    Thanks for this post with such relevant and useful information. I will continue to push forward with my calls and letters.

    3 years ago

  • trafalgarssquare

    trafalgarssquare says:

    I'm calling asap! thank you for your help, and if you had been my senator, I'd have voted for you! :)

    3 years ago

  • bamdesigns

    bamdesigns says:

    thanks for the post and the info- keep fighting the good fight

    3 years ago

  • PhoterrificCards

    PhoterrificCards says:

    Thank you for the update and links. I will share all information with others in my community. Many are uninformed of this law.

    3 years ago

  • BabbidgePatch

    BabbidgePatch says:

    Thank you for keeping the Etsy Community informed ~action is still needed!

    3 years ago

  • OhFaro

    OhFaro says:

    I called them both yesterday. Thank you Senator DeMint, and thank you etsy!

    3 years ago

  • GoldtoneDesigns

    GoldtoneDesigns says:

    ♥♥ ~~~Thank you for keeping us up to date Etsy~~~ ♥♥

    3 years ago

  • woolies

    woolies says:

    I'll be calling tomorrow! Thank you for posting this!!!

    3 years ago

  • craftgasm

    craftgasm says:

    I don't agree with pretty much anything else Senator DeMint has said, but way to go on this! Thanks for keeping us informed on developments, Etsy.

    3 years ago

  • IcingOnTheCupcake

    IcingOnTheCupcake says:

    Thank you for your support and the information!

    3 years ago

  • OceanGrrl

    OceanGrrl says:

    thanks for the info

    3 years ago

  • babyannequilts

    babyannequilts says:

    This is very hopeful news! Thanks for keeping us updated!!

    3 years ago

  • MommysMonkey

    MommysMonkey says:

    Thank you for the updates! As a Canadian I would love to know what I can do to help out? It affects all of the Etsy community and I want to do my part - any suggestions?

    3 years ago

  • FlyingColors

    FlyingColors says:

    Thank you Senator DeMint for your help on this delicate issue. I will be calling my Senator about your legislation proposal. Best regards :-)

    3 years ago

  • RaeGun

    RaeGun says:

    thanks for the update, this is very interesting. I'll be calling

    3 years ago

  • WhimsicalMom

    WhimsicalMom says:

    I plan to call them again:) Thank you Senator DeMint and Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • kittytrishia

    kittytrishia says:

    Thank you so much for your time and hard work on this issue that effects us all Senator DeMint, it is more then greatly appreciated!

    3 years ago

  • TheCottageCheese

    TheCottageCheese says:

    Thanks Senator DeMint for keeping this on your priority list!

    3 years ago

  • StelmaDesigns

    StelmaDesigns says:

    While I do not sell childrens items, I have sent a letter to my senator and will call them if need be. This is an issue we all need to help on. Thank you Senator DeMint!

    3 years ago

  • gigglinggoldfish

    gigglinggoldfish says:

    Thank you very much for the update.

    3 years ago

  • dmollison

    dmollison says:

    Thank you Senator DeMint! Your hard work on this matter is very appreciated. I will continue to push.

    3 years ago

  • berdandbee

    berdandbee says:

    This is great news for the toy manufacturing industry, who can now continue to flood the market with lead and phthalate-laden toys for our children to cuddle and suckle on. Thank you, Senator DeMint!

    3 years ago

  • soule

    soule says:

    START CALLING that number!!!!!

    3 years ago

  • autumnsarrival

    autumnsarrival says:

    What a good man!! I will be calling!!

    3 years ago

  • ediekat

    ediekat says:

    i am in canada..is there anything i can do to help? please let me know..and i will follow through..thanks..edie aka ediekat

    3 years ago

  • MGMart

    MGMart says:

    Thank you for the update!

    3 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    nice article, thanks

    3 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    Thank you to Senator Jim DeMint for letting the etsy American folks know exactly what to do!

    3 years ago

  • pogoshop

    pogoshop says:

    Any hope for those of us using up-cycled fabrics? Our wools or cotton cloth won't be certified. We all know a washed wool sweater is safe, but it looks like those of us who are recycling are going to fall between the exemption cracks here. What a shame to outlaw something safe for children and good for the environment they'll inherit.

    3 years ago

  • bubbletime

    bubbletime says:

    Oh my goodness, thank you so much Senator DeMint!!

    3 years ago

  • MHolland

    MHolland says:

    Thank you Senator DeMint from a South Carolinian etsian!

    3 years ago

  • dillydolly

    dillydolly says:

    Thank you, DeMint! Also and SC Etsian.

    3 years ago

  • littlebirdcreations

    littlebirdcreations says:

    Thank you Senator DeMint! And thank you Etsy!

    3 years ago

  • elliettebaby

    elliettebaby says:

    I just wrote to both of my senators encouraging them to approve these changes. Write or call your senator today!! They work for you, so speak your mind.

    3 years ago

  • sweetirie

    sweetirie says:

    WOW! It is great to hear a Senator so behind the little guys! Thank you Senator DeMint! I am not a maker of children's goodies myself, but I do support it and am hoping this can be stopped for the sake of handmade artists!

    3 years ago

  • Karmacrochet

    Karmacrochet says:

    Yay! I will be calling today when I get home. It is good to know that someone is listening. Thank you Senator DeMint!

    3 years ago

  • ChristinaWard

    ChristinaWard says:

    Just spoke to Sen Herb Kohl's office. Ask him to co-sponsor your bill. They said they will call DeMint's office to find out more....

    3 years ago

  • HELICOPTERstudios

    HELICOPTERstudios says:

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

    3 years ago

  • hillstfr

    hillstfr says:

    FYI - Senator DeMint intends to offer this amendment tomorrow (2/5/09).

    3 years ago

  • anorangehat

    anorangehat says:

    Hmmmmmm!Thanks for letting us know.

    3 years ago

  • moonstr

    moonstr says:

    thank YOU! and thanks for the fyi hillstfr!

    3 years ago

  • thewhimsytrove

    thewhimsytrove says:

    Generally not a huge fan of Senator DeMint, but hey. Sometimes the enemy of yr enemy is yr friend... Forwarding to a buncha people...

    3 years ago

  • emmiscottageetsy

    emmiscottageetsy says:

    Thank you so much... I just contacted my senator. We have to keep pushing forward.

    3 years ago

  • rozzissweetpeas

    rozzissweetpeas says:

    thanks for keeping us informed..yes we are still in the fight to get the law changed to protect babies and the handmade crafters who create for the babies...I am in touch with my senators and elected officials weekly now.

    3 years ago

  • LadybugLimited

    LadybugLimited says:

    I read about Sen. DeMint's legislation over the weekend and have contacted both of my senators. Let's get the word out Etsians! Thanks Sen. DeMint for bringing this into the spotlight here.

    3 years ago

  • lovalview

    lovalview says:

    Jim DeMint Has proposed legislation to amend the CPSIA and his cosponsors on the bill are Senators Brownback ( Kansas), Chambliss(Georgia), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Vitter (Louisiana, and Wicker (Mississippi). We need to keep pushing our legislators to support this legislation. Lets remind them all that if they are willing to approve $65 million dollars in the stimulus package to make sure people can have their TV, then they ought to be able to spare a few moments of their time to make sure that the parents of poor children can afford to buy them clothes and warm coats. Lets remind them that it will cost our government nothing to correct this overreaching legislation, but it will cost small business and economically challenged families everything if they do not act. Your letters to your legislators do make a difference. Send as many as you can, as often as you can. I have written my legislators every week on this issue and Jim DeMint responded!! One time I'm glad to claim my representative!!!! Again - KEEP THE LETTERS GOING. DON'T GIVE THEM A BREAK, LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE HEARD.

    3 years ago

  • EnchantingBeautiful

    EnchantingBeautiful says:

    cool thanks!

    3 years ago

  • ship421

    ship421 says:

    Being new to etsy I am concerned about all legislation that would affect the handmade communuity. I have had my finishes tested and it is not cheap. We had a "boatwagon" prototype shipped to Buffalo, NY and tested for the chemistry and physical safety issues of a hand made custom ride-on wagon. What we discovered is there are few if any paint products in your Local Lowes or Home Depo with lead. Its been disapearing for years... check out the labels. Its more squeeze on the little people. Public memory is sometimes short. Remember all the china lead loaded stuff sent last Chrismas ! Speak -up before we can't sell anything without a lab test. Thank you etsy

    3 years ago

  • Tina669

    Tina669 says:

    Thanks for this post with such relevant and useful information.

    2 years ago