Congresswoman Jean Schmidt Introduces Bill To Help Ohio Combat Bedbug Problem

Press Release

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt introduced legislation to help Ohio combat the serious and growing problem of bed bug infestation. Schmidt's bill, which was introduced before the U.S. House of Representatives recessed, will create a pilot program within EPA to give a grant to the State of Ohio and local governments and housing authorities.

"Ohio is at the epicenter of a growing national bedbug problem." Congresswoman Schmidt said. "With this bill, Ohio communities will have more tools to fight this serious and growing health threat," Schmidt added.

The legislation will create a grant to be administered jointly by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Health to assist housing authorities and local communities in dealing with persistent bed bug infestations. These funds would be targeted toward communities that lack the financial resources to deal with the problem without assistance. Funds from the grant are to be used for bedbug prevention and mitigation, disposal of bedbug infested material, and monitoring bedbug infestation activities.

Schmidt cited recent reports about Ohio and Cincinnati being ranked at or near the top of states and communities with growing bedbug problems, as well as her work with constituents all across the Second Congressional District as her reasons for moving this bill now.

Schmidt has been working on the beg bug issue with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local officials for more than a year. This bill is another step in addressing the needs of Ohio residents in combating the growing bed bug crisis.

"Bed bugs are a serious and growing issue as well as a major health concern," Schmidt said. "We have a lot of work to do on getting a handle on this issue, but I am committed to assisting in whatever way I can to help regain control and mitigate the increase in bed bug infestation."

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