Archive for January, 2009
January 23rd, 2009 | 
Author: January 22, 2009 – A public meeting was held today by CPSC staff to give the the Association of American Publishers and major publishing companies the chance to discuss their concerns about lead content in books with regard to the CPSIA law. After this meeting, Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel for the CPSC said a decision regarding the discussions should be made by the first week of February and she advised libraries not to take any action at this time and was hopeful that the Commission would favor a decision to exempt libraries. According to the law as written, it would apply to all books for children under the age of 12 including those found in public, school, academic and museum libraries. If the law comes to pass and an exemption is not granted then these libraries would be required to remove all their children’s books or ban all children under the age of 12 from access to those books beginning Feb. 10th.
However, despite the Commission’s attempt to resolve the concern over books as it pertains to the law, the American Library Association doesn’t believe the Commission is moving fast enough on the issue. According to some CPSC staffers this may be partly due to the CPSC waiting until an additional CPSC Commissioner is appointed. The ALA Washington Office Executive Director Emily Sheketoff, has contacted an attorney about filing for an injunction against the Commission and is ready to ask the Obama administration to step in if necessary. However Sheketoff said "There’s really nothing anyone can do. We’re sort of stuck waiting for them". The ALA Washington office will post updates as they receive new information and will post it on the District Dispatch blog.
"It is completely irresponsible and unacceptable for the CPSC to continue to leave this matter unresolved with the February 10th deadline drawing closer each day," ALA President Jim Rettig said.
"It is apparent that the CPSC does not fully understand the ramifications this law will have for libraries – and for children – if libraries are not granted an exemption. At this point, we are advising libraries not to take drastic action, such as removing or destroying books, as we continue to hope this matter will be rectified and that the attention will be paid to the products that pose a true threat to children. However, we find it disappointing and shameful that a government agency would continue to leave this matter unsettled when clearly the outcome would virtually shut down our nation’s school and public libraries."
What can you do to help save needless double testing of handmade toys, clothing, gifts, and books? And, prevent a catastrophic nightmare for small businesses, book publishers, work-at-home moms, American toy manufacturers, libraries, museums and continue to allow you the consumer the ability to shop and read and consume the already safe goods you are accustom to? Do at least one of the following…otherwise February 10, 2009 will end up being NATIONAL BANKRUPTCY DAY.
Write your Congressman, Senators, and even President Obama’s Staff!
Contact your local radio stations, TV News, and Chamber
Contact the CPSC
It didn’t take long after Obama was sworn into office that the spinning wheels for change spun out! The light turned green and off he went! He ordered a halt in ALL rulemaking!! Whoohoo! Let’s just pray this is a positive action for those small businesses battling the CPSIA law about to be enforced February 10, 2009! Then those specialty boutique shops that sell cute baby gifts, and handmade baby gifts, toys, children’s clothing and the likes can continue to offer choices to the American consumer, as well as provide jobs for many, many craftsmen and artisans!
01/20/09: Obama halts all regulations pending review
~ by Jennifer Loven, Associated Press
1/20/09: Obama halts all regulations pending review
Order goes out Tuesday afternoon, shortly after inauguration ~ msnbc.com
Karen, a handcraft activist has graciously put together a Youtube Channel for all CPSIA related videos. You may find what you see very interesting and witness just how broad this problem is and how it will affect everyone all throughout the US.
