Senate Republicans narrowly defeated a resolution seeking to ensure the health and safety of children’s products in South Dakota.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 urges the United States Congress to enact legislation banning Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) in children’s products. While the entire Democratic caucus voted in support, the resolution was killed on a 17 to 16 vote.

Senator Angie Buhl (D-Sioux Falls) lamented the resolution’s demise. “This session has demonstrated that many Republicans care only that children are born — not that once born, children are provided a healthy, productive life. Ensuring the health and safety of our children should always be a priority. Senate Republicans who voted against this bill showed otherwise.”

BPA is a hazardous toxin frequently found in plastics, food and drink packaging, baby bottles, teething devices, toys, and other childcare items. It has been shown to have hormone disrupting effects – particularly in newborns and infants.

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