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***MEDIA
ADVISORY***

COUNCIL HEARS BREWER'S BILLS TO
WEAKEN BED BUGS' BITE

Contact: Kunal
Malhotra

Office: (212) 788 6975

Cell: (347) 461 4329

KMalhotra@council.nyc.gov

WHAT:            
Press Conference in Support of Proposed Bed Bug Legislation:
Int 57-2006, 872-2008 and 873-2008

WHO:               
Council Member Gale A. Brewer, New
York City Council, Members of the Public

WHEN:            
Tuesday, February 24, 11:00 A.M.

WHERE:         
City Hall Steps

In response to concerns
about the City's growing number of bed bug infestations, the New York City
Council's Committees on Consumer Affairs, Sanitation, and Health will be
holding a joint hearing Tuesday February 24, 2009 on three bills that seek to
improve the City’s administrative and technical mechanisms for increasing
public education, resources, and consumer awareness in choosing informed
exterminating services.   Council Member Brewer, the primary sponsor
of the three bills, will be hosting a press conference in support of this legislation
at 11:00 A.M.

Intro 57 proposes the
creation of a Bed Bug Task Force and prohibits the sale of reconditioned
mattresses. Intro 872 creates guidelines for the proper disposal of infected
mattresses. Finally, Intro 873
requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to establish a bed
bug technique training program for pest control professionals and building
owners.

New York City has lagged behind other cities, like Cincinnati, San Francisco, Boston and Toronto
in dealing with its infestation problem. Currently, DOHMH offers a bed bug fact
sheet in Spanish and English that is available through 311 and the City
website.  In 2008, Brewer worked with the Department of Housing,
Preservation, and Development to create a series of public education seminars
given in neighborhoods throughout the City. 

“That's just not
good enough,” says Council Member Gale A. Brewer.  “It's great
that we're not smoking as much, and great that we're not eating trans fats, but
we need to focus on bed bugs in the same aggressive manner.”

The public hearing
regarding the Bed Bug legislation will be Tuesday,
February 24th at 1:00 P.M. in Council Chambers of City Hall.

Kunal Malhotra

Director of Legislation & Budget

Office of Council Member Gale A. Brewer

250 Broadway, Room 1744

New York, NY 10007

Kunal.Malhotra@council.nyc.gov

Office: (212) 788-6975

Cell: (347) 461-4329