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Text Box: 11/11/07 The "Safer Alternatives Bill"  has made it out of Committee. Acton Democratic Town Committee has recently been joined by the DTC's in Boxborough, Carlisle, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, and Westborough in signing the letter below. The Honorable Deval Patrick The State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Governor Patrick, The Acton Democratic Town Committee urges you to support “An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals,” H-783, S-558, sponsored by Representative Jay Kaufman (Lexington) and Senator Steve Tolman (Brighton). This bill sets up a program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives. It will establish a pragmatic, gradual approach to reducing health impacts from many toxic chemicals that we are exposed to in everyday life. Rates of a range of chronic disorders have been rising, and many of these disorders – including several childhood cancers, asthma, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders - have been linked to preventable exposure to toxic chemicals. Choosing safer alternatives will not only help prevent disease, it will reduce the burden on our economy by averting high health care costs. According to the Tufts University Global Development and Environment Institute, the costs of childhood illnesses caused by environmental exposures are significant. These health care costs alone are a huge drain on the Massachusetts economy, and we believe a healthier population will benefit us all. We are aware that your administration is not yet actively supporting this important legislation. We feel that this initiative matches your commitment to fostering innovation in the economy and making Massachusetts a leader in environmental technologies and we hope you will work with the thousands of grassroots citizens to pass this into law. Sincerely, Sue Kennedy Chair, Acton Democratic Town Committee cc: Secretary Ian Bowles Senator Pam Resor Representative James Eldridge Representative Cory Atkins Chief of Staff Doug Rubin