I’m proud to live in Maine. Our Legislature and governor have a long history of collaborating toward thoughtful solutions. I don’t understand, therefore, why the governor, a legislator, and the state Chamber of Commerce want to weaken a law that exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together.

The Kid-Safe Products Act passed in 2008 almost unanimously. People from all parties supported this law to protect the health of Maine kids by removing dangerous chemicals from the products they use. Some of these chemicals, like BPA, are hormone-disruptors and have been linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, obesity, diabetes and other health problems. We all want to protect kids, which is why this law had broad statewide support.

Rep. Jim Hamper, R-Oxford, has proposed a bill to weaken the Kid-Safe Products Act. LD 1129 would exclude protections for teenagers and pregnant women, targeting only products specifically designed for kids 12 and under, and prevent the state from restricting new priority chemicals scientifically proved to harm children.

We’ll do anything to keep our kids safe. The last thing we should have to worry about is toxic chemicals leaching out of plastic food containers or drink bottles.

When they start discussing LD 1129, I urge our legislators to seek points of common ground and resist the temptation to give in to partisan division. Our kids need the Kid-Safe Products Act to stay strong and healthy. It was the right thing to do in 2008, and it’s the right thing to do today.

Lalla Carothers
Cumberland

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