Friday, January 9, 2009

Finally getting on board with blogging

Since I've been doing a good bit of writing lately I thought it was time to bite the bullet and get a REAL blog. The posts prior to this date were added today. I am just learning how to "blog" There aren't too many posts there but I think they're worth reading. Particularly yesterday's posting about Congressman Charlie Dent.

For today, I'd like to highlight breaking news from yesterday. The CPSC has announced exception from testing for used goods. Simply put, used goods sold in places like thrift stores and consignment shops are not subject to the third-party certifications that new goods are. They are, however, still subject to the new lead level requirements.

So how do you know if a product contains low enough lead levels without testing it? You don’t, so sell at your own risk.

Read the full memo here: http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html

My thoughts on this: This is good news! As a parent, I often will buy (and sell!) at consignment shops for children. So the fact that their businesses are no longer in jeopardy is very positive.

However, since it’s been determined that used goods are still subject to the law but don’t need to be tested, and selling them is basically at the seller’s risk. Why can’t handmade goods be exempted in the same way? The difference with my handmade goods is that I *know* what went into making the item. Sellers could still be held accountable and face civil and/or criminal penalties for selling goods that are in violation of the new limits the same way a reseller of used goods is. So, why not extend the testing exemption in some way to those who handcraft items?

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Congressman Dent supports Small Business

For those who do not know, I have been communicating frequently with Congressman Charlie Dent’s office. His office has been extremely helpful in assisting me gather accurate information regarding the CPSIA. My meeting with Congressman Dent himself is scheduled for January 16, 2009.

I’ve received word today that Congressman Dent is taking up our cause. And he is gathering the support of other Congressmen. So far, Congressman Jim Gerlach and Congressman Tim Holden have joined him to support the effort. Others are reviewing and likely more will join the effort in the next few days. Congressman Dent is sending a letter to the Committee on Energy and Commerce requesting a hearing. This is VERY good news. THIS is how things get changed.

It is the new chairman of the Committee who has the ability to call for hearings on this matter and advance critical legislation to resolve some of the issues. The best way to convince him of the need for a hearing to amend the CPSIA is to WRITE LETTERS to the four Energy and Commerce Committee leaders explaining our concerns and issues with the law as it is written and how it will affect us. Even if you have written to these people before, I urge you to send another letter.

Here are the names and addresses of the four Committee leaders:
The Hon. Henry A. Waxman
Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Hon. Joe Barton
Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
2322-A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Hon. Bobby Rush
Chairman
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade
and Consumer Protection
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Hon. Ed Whitfield
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade
and Consumer Protection
2322-A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515