Dear
Senator Cantwell,
I am writing to you today about the CPSIA. The CPSIA as currently
written will effectively put many small businesses in this country
out of business. The CPSC's "Stay of Enforcement" certainly
provides temporary relief from this law. However, it is not a
solution. As a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation, you are in a position to support amended CPSIA
legislation (S.374) which was referred to your committee after
its introduction to the Senate on February 4, 2009.
I
do not think that child safety and small businesses are mutually
exclusive, though the CPSIA as currently written makes that the
case. I do not think that small businesses should be exempt from
safety laws. I do think that small business needs should be taken
into account. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
To further endanger small business in a time of recession is untenable.
I
am writing to ask you to support S.374, introduced by Senator
DeMint, which would bring important and necessary changes to the
CPSIA:
1) Delay the regulations for six months, not just the enforcement.
There is tremendous confusion about the law. It is unfair to put
businesses out of business on this basis.
2) Allow component testing. This provision is KEY. It is a waste
of time and energy on everyone's part to test lead-free items
for lead. If the components that are used are certified lead free,
or "generally regarded as safe", there is no good reason
to do further testing.
3) Exempt thrift stores and other 2nd hand venues from the act.
4) Prevent retroactive enforcement of the act.
5) Provide a good-faith exemption.
6) Require the CPSC to provide small businesses with a compliance
guide.
This
legislation takes nothing away from child safety, and gives small
businesses a fair shot at staying in business. I want to know
if you will support this legislation, Senator Cantwell. Please
let me know.
Sincerely,
