CPSIA rumor vs reality

There are tons of rumors on the internet about the CPSIA. It's been hard to know what to believe b/c the CPSC has been so reticent to make official statements and their website does not help much. (If you would like to read the law, their website is here. The FAQ's are of interest as well.) I wish they were all rumors, but they are not. Many congressmen and "officials" have made statements to their constituents and to the media that they later retract, once they go back and get more info. Even Nancy Nord herself has retracted some of her statements. The intent of this law is good. The sad thing, is that is was not written well, and if taken in it's original form, it is too all-encompassing. I've read most of the law myself and it is really not good. I've read different lawyer's interpretations other seller's have hired to decipher for them and they all say the same thing. Basically, what we belive is true.......but also that the CPSC is underfunded and will probably not come knocking on our door. Not a very good way to run a business....yes, what you do will be illegal unless you test, but they'll probably not fine or arrest you. Hmmm.....

This morning I read, that they have now written a provision that excludes Second-Hand and thrift stores! YES!!! You can read their official statement here. This is such good news! They have also written another provision that natural materials are ok to use without being tested: undyed cotton, wool, unfinished wood, natural gemstones likes real rubies and pearls. This is good news too! I can make albino bunnies! Right now, they are talking about calling smaller businesses "assemblers" rather than "manufacturers". This might be the loophole we need. It hasn't happened yet, but at least they are talking about. They are slowly but surely listening and making provisions for the "little guy". Keep talking about this please! It's b/c so many people are bringing this to the attention of the media, writing and talking to their representatives and blogging, twittering etc, that change and legal provisions are being made!!! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to do these things!!

No more thrift stores?

This LA Times article about the CPSIA is awful!!!
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,2083247.story

This thing is not a joke and somebody in congress needs to do something about it!!

vote

Please take a moment to vote to help save us all from the CPSIA!! http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia According to change.org: "The top 10 ideas are going to be presented to the Obama Administration on Inauguration Day and will be supported by a national lobbying campaign run by Change.org, MySpace, and more than a dozen leading nonprofits after the Inauguration. So each idea has a real chance at becoming policy." It takes a moment to sign in and verify your address, but anyone can do this. Thank you friends and family for your continued support of my Silly Turnip shop! Leigh

good news and Snowballs

Saying goodbye

I have finally heard some good news about the CPSIA front:

turtleparktots says:

I just spoke to the CPSIA specialist in Diana DeGette's office (colorado 1st district) for almost an hour. She was one of the co-authors of the law. He said she never intended for this to happen and that the committee that authored this bill will be meeting at the beginning of Jan. He had no idea it affected so many people negatively...he was surprised and said that degette would be too. He asked if I would work with them...I gave some suggestions...hopefully She will take my story to the committee I suggest that you contact your reps that are members of the house commerce committee regarding this issue since they'll be meeting soon...Tell them your story! This makes me feel so much better!!! I can't tell you how sad all that made me....I know you were probably tired of hearing about it. I realize there are so many awful, awful things going on in the world right now.....but this seemed important. Like something good and beautiful was going to die b/c of something evil. Anyway, I just keep praying about it! I'm in the process of making snowball cookies right now. Soooooo good! It's the cookie I wait all year to make at Christmas (lots of butter). It's easy too....not too many dishes!.....and pretty! Snowball Cookies A favorite at Christmas time, pecan-filled cookies are scrumptious all year 'round. Prep: 45 min - Bake: 18 min 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups finely chopped pecans 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla Powdered sugar Heat oven to 325°F. Combine all ingredients except powdered sugar in large mixer bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes; roll in powdered sugar while still warm and again when cool. Makes 3 dozen cookies

RUSH-a hero of a puppy

Rush

Rush is a handsome little puppy made just for Congressman Bobby Rush. He is a hero of a puppy, trying his hardest to make those around him safer. He wants to do good in the world and be the best puppy he can be. He is traveling to Washington wearing his smart tie, ready to take on the
Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act for all small toymakers and crafters. He believes that AMERICAN children should be able to play with unique, one-of-a-kind toys (like him) and not just heartless, mass produced things. SAVE HANDMADE! REVISE CPSI!

*If you would like to participate in sending a handmade children's item to Congressman Rush, then you can find more information here. For an even easier way to help, then sign this petition. It's quick and easy, for all those moms with toddlers out there!