I am pleased to announce that on April 1 there will finally be an opportunity to go to Capitol Hill to tell Congress directly about the terrible impact of the CPSIA on our lives and businesses. Having been repeatedly denied the opportunity to explore the issues created by the CPSIA in public hearings by both the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Small Business since December, we have elected to organize our own rally and open hearings for this purpose. This unprecedented event is a true demonstration of democracy at work - the People will not be denied their say in this vitally important matter. The date - April Fool's Day - is ironic but the open hearing and rally are quite real and will be held on time with a full slate of speakers and a wide range of participants. This event will include support from numerous trade organizations and is expected to feature remarks by Members of Congress as well as scientists and representatives of various organizations affected by the legislation such as small businesses, libraries, charities and thrift stores. This event will also be open to the media.
The CPSIA was signed into law on August 14, 2008 and radically transformed the administration of children's product safety under U.S. law, converting a system based on risk assessment to one of precaution and fear of the unknown. The damaging unintended consequences of this change in law are being felt throughout the marketplace, and despite loud protests from many quarters, House and Senate leaders remain resolute in their support of an unmodified CPSIA. Public hearings on the negative impact of this law are long overdue, despite repeated requests for hearings from the CPSC, Members of Congress (including Reps. John Dingell, Joe Barton and George Radanovich of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Senators Bob Bennett, Carl Levin and Jim DeMint) and various other interested parties. The situation is intolerable and devastating. By calling this rally and open hearing, we are announcing an end to old school "closed door politics" and shining a light on a matter of critical public importance during a severe economic downturn.
The details of the rally and open hearing are still being finalized. The location is expected to be on Capitol Hill, and will include question and answer periods, as well as submission of written testimony. We will establish a website for this event, and will make the written materials available online. We hope to broadcast the hearings and rally live online and to provide interactive capabilities for public and media participation.
Please watch this space for updates. If you would like to help the team organizing this event, please write me at this special email address: hearings@cpsiahearings.com. [This email address may not be active for a day or two, so please resend your message if it does not go through.]
I hope you will join us at the rally and open hearings on April 1. The bigger the crowd, the bigger the statement to Congress. It’s time to openly discuss the problems in the CPSIA – see you in Washington in April!
Your Friend,
Rick Woldenberg
Chairman
Alliance for Children’s Product Safety
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17 comments:
This is fantastic news and while I have already had to make the decision to terminate my children's clothing line I applaud all of the work and tireless efforts you have put into this matter.
I will submit written testimony on behalf of children's booksellers! Kudos, kudos, kudos to you, Rick, for fearlessly continuing this effort.
This is fantastic Rick!
This is great news. It is irresponsible for our representatives to pass a law without listening to the people and to continue to deny it afterwards. I am looking forward to April 1st!
THANK YOU! I will be there.
I am SO disappointed that I will not be able to attend.
I was just reading on the CDC's website information on lead poisoning (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/about/program.htm)info that seems to be totally left out of all the CPSIA legislation:
1) Lead is ingested to be a problem.
2) The CDC has been fighting lead poisoning for almost 20 years, and has done a good job of reducing it to minimal levels.
3) The ages of greatest danger is kids 3 and under, who put most things in their mouths. And there is very little problem at all above age 6.
4) Oh, and by the way, the biggest culprit is....lead in paint.
(I know none of us are surprised by any of the above...but doesn't it make the whole idea of CPSIA bogus beyond belief?)
This is great Rick. I'll be there. I'm driving out from Pittsburgh and I have a minivan that seats 7. Anyone from the area who wants a lift with me and my daughter can send me an email (address at my blog: www.doodlesandnoodles.blogspot.com)
I'd like to propose one extra: a vintage book story time with parents and kids to show we're not afraid of them. Families would have to bring their own books (I'm not risking fines and jail time). If you're interested, leave a comment on my blog.
I'm bringing my kids, it will be a great chance for them to see democracy in action. Thanks!
Thank you, Rick, for your tireless efforts and willingness to lead. This is fantastic news!
I am so grateful that this is happening.
Additionally, I hope that this is a non-partisan event. I am a lifelong progressive who is 100% opposed to the CPSIA. While I understand the anger felt by conservatives toward Dems/liberals concerning this law, I think that opposition to it shouldn't be "marginalized" as a conservative, pro-business, Republican, anti-Obama movement. This bill is not anti-conservative, it is anti-American and anti-person.
Rick-This is fantastic! I'm planning to fly from Tulsa to be there. Love the story time idea...I had already planned to bring a couple of my own old children's books, as well as a couple of my handcrafted items. I hope we can get a big crowd...we need one to make an impact statement!
Our SouthCentral PA homeschooling family would LOVE to join this rally -- and we'll participate in story time if it happens. And if need be -- I'll read Valerie's testimony!!
I think we'll pack our bags and signs and hit the road!
Laura, THANK YOU!
I am marking the date on my calendar. Never too soon to teach my own kids about government and law, either, so they can come too! For us it's a Metro ride, with a backpack full of snacks for the munchkins (who will of course be wearing my stuff! LOL).
Suggestion: make this a Facebook event on their calendar. Then when we sign up our contacts will see it!
Looking forward to more specific information! :-)
The photo number that was posted on the Facebook page is not correct. I would like to get in touch with someone with this Alliance. My name is Tom Scott and I am with California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.
CACALA is our Facebook Page. 916.989.9665
I linked this at Chicago Boyz, where I have been following CPSIA issues.
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