CPSIA Law and Project Linus

I received my newsletter from Project Linus ... I probably shouldn't repost but it's just to important to ignore. I make tons of quilts for Project Linus, Gabriel Project and other charity organizations.


Project Linus Letter regarding contacting government officials about the new CPSIA regulations
January 23, 2009


On August 14, 2008, the Congress of the United States passed a law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. We understand that it goes into effect on February 10, 2009. The purpose of this act is to establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You can learn more about it at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html. Basically, the Act states that all products marketed or intended for children 12 or under must undergo testing by a certified laboratory to be CPSIA compliant. There are enormous costs to do so, and fines and penalties involved for non-compliance.


As originally written, the Act potentially has far reaching consequences. At this time, we do not know how or if it will impact Project Linus and other charitable organizations. Project Linus has issued the following statement that is posted on our website:


"Project Linus has been working with representatives from Congress and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for clarification of how the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act may or may not affect our charity and others. We know that our specific circumstances are under discussion at this time. We do not anticipate that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will have a significant impact on our organization or its mission. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and provide updates as necessary." Project Linus National Headquarters.
The reality is that if the law is not clarified to exclude charitable organizations, or to define certain terms regarding "distribution" and remove the potential liability to organizations such as Project Linus, we will have no choice but to dissolve our beloved organization.


There is something more that can be done, and this is where we need the help of Chapter Coordinators, volunteers and all friends of Project Linus. We believe, and have been told, that we can have an impact on the interpretation of this law. Here are the ways in which you can help:
Contact your Congressional Representative. Tell them about Project Linus and how we may be impacted by this law. Explain that further clarification is essential to remove the potential liability to our organization.


Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

(301)-504-7923

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East West HighwayBethesda, MD 20814

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/contact/html



Regarding: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
Contact the House Energy and Commerce Committee

(202)-225-29272125

Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515


Contact the personal offices of anyone on the following list, which are the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee:


Mike Ross (AR)

John Shadegg (AZ)

Lois Capps (CA)

Anna Eshoo (CA)

Jane Harman (CA)

Mary Bono Mack (CA)

Doris Matsui (CA)Jerry McNerney (CA)

George Radanovich (CA)

Diana DeGette (CO)

Christopher Murphy (CT)

Kathy Castor (FL)

Cliff Stearns (FL)

John Barrow (GA)

Nathan Deal (GA)Phil Gingrey (GA)

Bruce Braley (IA)

Bobby Rush (IL)

Janice Schakowsky (IL)

John Shimkus (IL)

Steve Buyer (IN)

Baron Hill (IN)

Charlie Melancon (KA)

Ed Whitfield (KY)

Edward Markey (MA)

John Sarbanes (MD)

Mike Rogers (MI)

Bart Stupak (MI)

Fred Upton (MI)

Roy Blunt (MO)

G.K. Butterfield (NC)

Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC)

Lee Terry (NE)

Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ)

Eliot Engel (NY)

Anthony Weiner (NY)

Zachary Space (OH)

Betty Sutton (OH)

John Sullivan (OK)

Greg Walden (OR)

Michael Doyle (PA)

Tim Murphy (PA)

Joseph Pitts (PA)

Marsha Blackburn (TN)

Bart Gordon (TN)

Michael Burgess (TX)

Charles Gonzales (TX)

Gene Green (TX)

Ralph Hall (TX)

Jim Matheson (UT)

Rick Boucher (VA)

Donna Christensen (VA)

Peter Welch (VT)

Jay Inslee (WA)

Tammy Baldwin (WI)





You can help! You can make a difference! Help these legislators to understand that we are not a manufacturer. We are the consumer! We don't manufacture or sell blankets! We don't have a factory or any location anywhere in the country where blankets are assembled. These blankets are largely made by individuals, in their homes or in small private groups. Almost 3 MILLION blankets have been donated to almost 3 MILLION children under strict quality control standards. Speak from your heart, share your passion and help us to insure the future of Project Linus.



We need your help, and we need it now.
Most Sincerely,
Carol Babbitt
President/CEO