Only 3 Days Left in the Legislative Session

Please take a moment to call House Speaker Brendan Sharkey today and ask him to put House Bill 6489 on the GO LIST for a vote! His number is (860) 240-8541 or Toll-Free 1-800-842-1902. If you've already called, please call again. The more calls we generate the better chance of action on our bill, which has enough votes to pass but is caught up in political gridlock. The Legislative Session ends in 3 days!

WHY?

There are over 80,000 chemicals that have been introduced into commerce over the last 30 years and some of them have been linked (peer-reviewed scientific studies) to many serious illnesses - BPA and numerous flame retardants are some of these chemicals. A few years ago CT lawmakers banned the use of BPA in baby bottles, but BPA and other toxic chemicals are also used in products our families use everyday. Parenting is challenging enough without feeling as if you need a PhD in Chemistry in order to buy safe toys for your children or safe make-up for your 13 year old daughter.

This bill would authorize Connecticut's Department of Public Health's (DPH) toxicology experts to review chemicals of high concern to children. Then every two years, DPH would recommend possible actions to the State Legislature based on the latest scientific findings on these priority chemicals. Doing this will not cost the state of Connecticut any additional dollars.

I ask you to look at this as a mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle, educator and most importantly as a public health professional. While we all have children or know children who will ultimately be protected through this legislation, public health professionals recognize the long-term public health benefit of this bill on our children and their future health.

I truly appreciate your consideration. If you'd like to help please feel free to forward this email on to your family and friends - we are hoping for a tidal wave of support to protect Connecticut's children.

Noele R. Kidney
Project Coordinator
Connecticut Public Health Association