Save handmade toys and clothes!

There is a new law that, while good in thought, is not good in effect. It will put me out of business. All children's items must be tested for lead after Feb 10, 2009. This includes clothes, bows, toys, blankets, etc. Sounds good, right? Well, one problem - there are no exemptions for small operations such as mine. The testings costs upwards of $1,000 for each batch. What is a batch? Every color is a different batch. any small change makes it a different batch. How big are my batches? ONE ITEM. Obviously myself and other crafters will not be able to continue making, creating and selling their wares.

"I will open the doors of government and ask you to be involved in your own democracy again." -Barack Obama

Make your voice heard by voting on this issue. The top 3 in each category will be presented to President-elect Obama. http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Read more about this legislation and its ramifications:
Fashion Incubator
Handmade Toy Alliance
National Bankruptcy Day
YouTube video
YouTube Video
YouTube Video
5 Minutes for Mom
Cool Mom Picks
The Smart Mama
blogher
Apparel and Footwear.org
Toy Association.org
Cafe Mom
Safety and Compliance
Zrecommends
SleepingBaby.net
Freshly Baked Blog

What else can you do?

1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman 888-531-9070.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx
Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 2009.
mailto:Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov

2) Email or snail mail your representatives.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476

3) Call your representatives. For their contact information just enter your zip code.
http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/

4) Sign the petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html