Funke Cosponsors Child Safe Products Act
May 12, 2015
Senator Rich Funke today signed-on as a cosponsor of S.4102, a bill that would amend the State’s environmental conservation code to provide greater oversight over and regulation of potentially toxic chemicals in the manufacture of children’s products.
“As a grandfather of six, I know nothing is more important than doing what we can to keep our kids safe and healthy,” said Funke. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Child Safe Products Act because every parent deserves to know that their kids’ toys and clothes are free of toxic substances. Even if there’s a shadow of a doubt that these materials may or may not be dangerous, it only makes sense to err on the side of caution to protect our children and families.”
The legislation, known as the Child Safe Products Act, would implement new restrictions on the use of Arsenic, Benzene, Lead, Mercury, and other toxic chemicals in children’s products, such as toys, accessories, and clothing. These substances, including certain heavy metals, have in some cases been found to be harmful to children’s health. A recent scientific report identified a dozen children’s products for sale at stores in Monroe County containing one or more of the materials that would be further regulated by S.4102.
The Child Safe Products Act is supported by many local and State-wide environmental advocacy organizations, including the New York League of Conservation Voters and Clean and Healthy New York.
"Toxic chemicals have no place in children's toys, and they should not be on store shelves for sale. We applaud Senator Funke for co-sponsoring the Child Safe Products Act and standing up for public health," said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "With his support, we are one step closer to making sure no parent has to worry about what dangers might be lurking in toys they bring home for their kids."
"Clean and Healthy New York applauds Senator Funke for standing up for children's health by co-sponsoring the Child Safe Products Act,” said Kathy Curtis, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York and co-leader of the JustGreen Partnership. “No parent should have to worry or wonder if a beloved toy or clothing item harbors hidden toxic dangers. We look forward to working with Senator Funke to ensure passage of this children's safety law. Our kids deserve nothing less."
"We applaud Senator Funke for recognizing the value of a safer and more transparent supply chain to our businesses and communities by supporting the Child Safe Products Act in NY,” said Anne Sherman, Director of Sustainability, Staach Inc. Our clients call for increasing levels of safety and transparency, and the presence of these chemicals—widely known to cause significant health issues—is a threat to our business. Passage of the Child Safe Products Act will protect the health of our children and create incentives toward safer chemical formulation while allowing New York businesses to make more informed choices.”
With Funke’s support, S.4102 is now co-sponsored by 37 Senators from around the State and across the political spectrum. A copy of the bill language is available upon request.
“As a grandfather of six, I know nothing is more important than doing what we can to keep our kids safe and healthy,” said Funke. “I’m proud to cosponsor the Child Safe Products Act because every parent deserves to know that their kids’ toys and clothes are free of toxic substances. Even if there’s a shadow of a doubt that these materials may or may not be dangerous, it only makes sense to err on the side of caution to protect our children and families.”
The legislation, known as the Child Safe Products Act, would implement new restrictions on the use of Arsenic, Benzene, Lead, Mercury, and other toxic chemicals in children’s products, such as toys, accessories, and clothing. These substances, including certain heavy metals, have in some cases been found to be harmful to children’s health. A recent scientific report identified a dozen children’s products for sale at stores in Monroe County containing one or more of the materials that would be further regulated by S.4102.
The Child Safe Products Act is supported by many local and State-wide environmental advocacy organizations, including the New York League of Conservation Voters and Clean and Healthy New York.
"Toxic chemicals have no place in children's toys, and they should not be on store shelves for sale. We applaud Senator Funke for co-sponsoring the Child Safe Products Act and standing up for public health," said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "With his support, we are one step closer to making sure no parent has to worry about what dangers might be lurking in toys they bring home for their kids."
"Clean and Healthy New York applauds Senator Funke for standing up for children's health by co-sponsoring the Child Safe Products Act,” said Kathy Curtis, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York and co-leader of the JustGreen Partnership. “No parent should have to worry or wonder if a beloved toy or clothing item harbors hidden toxic dangers. We look forward to working with Senator Funke to ensure passage of this children's safety law. Our kids deserve nothing less."
"We applaud Senator Funke for recognizing the value of a safer and more transparent supply chain to our businesses and communities by supporting the Child Safe Products Act in NY,” said Anne Sherman, Director of Sustainability, Staach Inc. Our clients call for increasing levels of safety and transparency, and the presence of these chemicals—widely known to cause significant health issues—is a threat to our business. Passage of the Child Safe Products Act will protect the health of our children and create incentives toward safer chemical formulation while allowing New York businesses to make more informed choices.”
With Funke’s support, S.4102 is now co-sponsored by 37 Senators from around the State and across the political spectrum. A copy of the bill language is available upon request.
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