INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (4269,2,'2017-12-13 22:17:11','2017-12-13 22:17:11','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4276\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bed-bug-assisted-living-compressed-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"349\" height=\"233\" />A first hand account of a family\'s experience battling bed bugs in Chicago low income senior housing.</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann* struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt Irena the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for home-bound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview with Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee, Ann details her experience moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from MPAC.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this instance?</span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service.</span>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Names referenced in the interview have been changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','publish','closed','open','','a-tale-of-compassion-and-pain-managing-bed-bugs-in-senior-living-communities','','\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/','2017-12-18 16:32:47','2017-12-18 16:32:47','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=4269',0,'post','',0),(4270,2,'2017-12-13 22:05:13','2017-12-13 22:05:13','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC Executive Director Ruth Kerzee interviews Ann*, the niece of  Irena*, an elderly woman with difficulties battling a bed bug infestation in a low income senior living community on Chicago’s Near South Side. </span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for homebound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. In the following interview, Ann details her experience with moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from the Midwest Pesticide Action Center.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interview with Ann:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q1: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A1:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q2: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this problem?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A2:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q3:  Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A3: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q4: What concerned you the most about this situation?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A4:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q5: Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A5: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q6:  So, where did you go for help?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A6: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q7: Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A7:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q8: Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A8: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q9: What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A9: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Name changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-13 22:05:13','2017-12-13 22:05:13','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4271,2,'2017-12-13 22:06:16','2017-12-13 22:06:16','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC Executive Director Ruth Kerzee interviews Ann*, the niece of  Irena*, an elderly woman with difficulties battling a bed bug infestation in a low income senior living community on Chicago’s Near South Side. </span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for homebound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview, Ann details her experience with moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from the Midwest Pesticide Action Center.</span>\r\n\r\n<em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ruth: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q2: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this problem?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A2:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q3:  Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A3: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q4: What concerned you the most about this situation?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A4:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q5: Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A5: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q6:  So, where did you go for help?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A6: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q7: Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A7:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q8: Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A8: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q9: What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A9: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Name changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-13 22:06:16','2017-12-13 22:06:16','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4272,2,'2017-12-13 22:14:36','2017-12-13 22:14:36','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC Executive Director Ruth Kerzee interviews Ann* about her experiences helping her elderly aunt with battling a bed bug infestation in a low income senior living community on Chicago’s Near South Side. </span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt, Irena*, the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for homebound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview, Ann details her experience with moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from the Midwest Pesticide Action Center.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this problem?</span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Name changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-13 22:14:36','2017-12-13 22:14:36','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4273,2,'2017-12-13 22:17:11','2017-12-13 22:17:11','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC Executive Director Ruth Kerzee interviews Ann* about her experiences helping her elderly aunt with battling a bed bug infestation in a low income senior living community on Chicago’s Near South Side. </span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt, Irena*, the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for home-bound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview, Ann details her experience with moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from the Midwest Pesticide Action Center.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this problem?</span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Name changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-13 22:17:11','2017-12-13 22:17:11','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4274,2,'2017-12-18 16:31:55','2017-12-18 16:31:55','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4276\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bed-bug-assisted-living-compressed-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"349\" height=\"233\" />A first hand account of a family\'s experience battling bed bugs in Chicago low income senior housing.</span></h3>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann* struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt Irena the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for home-bound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview with Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee, Ann details her experience moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from t.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this instance?</span></em>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service.</span>\n\n<hr />\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. </span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.</span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Names referenced in the interview have been changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-autosave-v1','','','2017-12-18 16:31:55','2017-12-18 16:31:55','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4275,2,'2017-12-14 22:30:56','2017-12-14 22:30:56','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A first hand account through interview of a family\'s experience battling bed bugs in Chicago low income senior housing by MPAC Executive Director Ruth Kerzee.</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann* struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt Irena the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for home-bound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview, Ann details her experience with moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from the Midwest Pesticide Action Center.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this instance?</span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service.</span>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Names referenced in the interview have been changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-14 22:30:56','2017-12-14 22:30:56','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4276,2,'2017-12-18 16:26:58','2017-12-18 16:26:58','','bed bug assisted living compressed','','inherit','closed','closed','','bed-bug-assisted-living-compressed','','','2017-12-18 16:26:58','2017-12-18 16:26:58','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bed-bug-assisted-living-compressed.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4277,2,'2017-12-18 16:32:47','2017-12-18 16:32:47','<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4276\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bed-bug-assisted-living-compressed-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"349\" height=\"233\" />A first hand account of a family\'s experience battling bed bugs in Chicago low income senior housing.</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ann* struggled to find her 81-year-old aunt Irena the help she needed to rid her apartment of bed bugs. Irena, who suffers from both vision and mobility issues, did not receive adequate assistance from her building management and the problem went unchecked. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than periodic applications of pesticides within the apartment, management’s response to the problem consisted of telling building residents not to visit each other to prevent spreading the problem -- an unreasonable and insensitive request for home-bound people facing isolation without neighborly visits. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the following interview with Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee, Ann details her experience moving her aunt from the independent living community to a nursing home while struggling  to find assistance and accurate information on bed bug control before finally receiving guidance from MPAC.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: I understand your aunt Irena lived in a low income, senior independent living community on Chicago’s Near South Side  when she identified bed bugs. Can you tell me how you were brought into this problem? </span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Since I had power of attorney and was her closest relative, I was tasked with moving her from the independent living apartment.  I knew this would be a problem because in the summer of 2016 my aunt Irena, who is 81 years old, told me she had a bed bug problem. She learned this from a hospital visit for a mobility problem she was having.  She had felt bites prior to this visit, but, since she has vision issues, she was unsure of what was causing them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong></span><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Had there been any action on bed bugs at the living facility prior to this instance?</span></em>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Well, it’s difficult for me to say for sure, but it sounds to me like this had been an ongoing problem which had been reported to the City and the City had sent out an inspector. But, I don’t know the timing as to when that occurred. Also, my aunt’s apartment had been periodically “fumigated” for bed bugs as someone was coming in and spraying pesticides.  I’m not sure if it was a professional pest management company or just the building management.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My aunt was told to clean up her apartment, but due to her vision and mobility issues, I’m sure her cleaning was not adequate.  I live in California and I was only able to do so much to help.  It does not appear that the facility offered her any help. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em> Did you ask the building management about bed bugs in other apartments?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: I did not ask them directly, but I know through my aunt that they had meetings with the other residents and told them to stop visiting each other to help control the problem. I thought that was very strange considering these are mostly homebound people who would be completely isolated without some sort of visiting with their neighbors.  It just seemed a completely unreasonable request and I didn’t understand how that would solve the problem. To my mind, much more should have been offered in terms of help and treatment.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What concerned you the most about this situation?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  I did not want to bring bed bugs home with me. I knew through my work at a university in my community that bed bugs are a big headache to get rid of once you get them.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Did the management of the apartment building offer any help or support for the move?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: No! Once I convinced my aunt that the move was necessary I notified management and asked if I should do anything to prevent the spread of bed bugs or if they had any resources or guidance. They had none. They said that families just come and move their loved ones out and that’s it. They had no recommendations and knew no one to recommend for help. I was stunned that there was nothing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>:  <em>So, where did you go for help?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: First I called the EPA [Region 5 Offices, Pesticides Division] and they put me in touch with you [Midwest Pesticide Action Center], thankfully! I was able through your recommendations to contact a cleaning service that understood the problems associated with moving someone with a bed bug problem. They were very professional and really understood the issue, offering advice and solutions that I would not have been able to come up with on my own.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Were you satisfied with the final outcome?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>:  Yes.  In the end, the best decision was to simply dispose of everything.  We did try to [save]  valuables, but there were very few.  Like I said, the company I worked with was very helpful in making this decision and also thoroughly cleaned the apartment once everything was moved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>Wow! It seems like you really did the management of the building a favor.  Did the management come and inspect once the work was completed?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Not that I am aware of, but they may have once I left.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ruth</strong>: <em>What service or support would you have liked to have had considering the situation with your aunt?</em></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ann</strong>: Since it was a senior and disabled living facility, more attention should have been paid to helping the residents deal with the issue by providing them help with cleaning and inspection.  There should have been earlier interventions, certainly.  I was lucky to have the outcome I had, which was due in part to Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the EPA, and the cleaning service.</span>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MPAC hears similar stories to Ann and Irena’s daily, where management unrealistically expects elderly and disabled people to deal with a bed bug infestation alone. Vision, mobility, and memory problems often delay detection of </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> until they reproduce into a full-blown infestation. These disabilities can also hinder cleaning and preparation for treatment that pest control operators require. Often, relatives are too far away to help on a day-to-day basis. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We must expect senior living community management and staff to provide elderly and disabled residents with proper inspections and physical help for cleaning and treatment preparation to </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevent and control bed bugs</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, those facilities located in Chicago must, also, provide treatment that follows the </span><a href=\"http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/best-practices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Pest Management Association’s</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> best management practices. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of a comprehensive bed bug management plan is essential to control bed bug problems in senior living facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides </span><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free bed bug trainings</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Chicago’s housing community as well as webinars and contracted workshops to communities in greater Illinois. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more or request a training, contact Ruth Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Names referenced in the interview have been changed to protect privacy.</span>','A Tale of Compassion and Pain: Managing bed bugs in senior living communities','','inherit','closed','closed','','4269-revision-v1','','','2017-12-18 16:32:47','2017-12-18 16:32:47','',4269,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4269-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4279,2,'2017-12-22 22:30:30','2017-12-22 22:30:30','Happy Holidays, Everyone!\r\n\r\nAs we move into the darkest days of the year, I brighten mine by thinking of all the warmth and encouragement we have received in 2017 from you, our supporters.  Your leadership in communities across the Midwest to limit the impacts of pesticides differs in stark contrast to the barrage of discouraging environmental news we hear across the country.\r\n\r\nThanks in large part to your hard work this year, MPAC has seen some truly spectacular successes such as the expansion of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative and the incredible popularity of our new childcares online webinar.\r\n\r\nThe words of Margaret Mead resonate more with me today than at any time in the recent past, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it\'s the only thing that ever has.”  I’m amazed what so few can do to usher in positive change when the deck seems stacked against progress.\r\n\r\nHere at MPAC, we take our strength from your passion and the faith that you have in us to help achieve your vision of creating a safer and healthier future for “all creatures, great and small” – our children, our pets, our pollinators and the myriad of other living things that pesticides directly or indirectly impact.  So, as we move past these dark winter days, let us take solace in knowing that the sun will return as will MPAC’s commitment to you and our mission.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, look for… Midwest Grows Green to outpace all other programs in funding with projects expanding into the Calumet Region in Illinois and plans for research in Wisconsin and Illinois; our Asthma Friendly Childcares program to protect our most vulnerable in areas with some of the highest asthma rates in the country; and the advance of new laws and regulation to protect and preserve health and the environment.  MPAC will also seek new opportunities and unconventional strategies to progress our mission, such as incorporating IPM into the push for energy efficiency – not as much of a stretch as you may think.\r\n\r\nOne thing is for sure: Without your hard work, faith in us, and pure hubris none of our past or future successes would be possible.\r\n\r\nThank you and…\r\n\r\nA Bright and Happy New Year to All!','A Holiday Message from MPAC’s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee','','inherit','closed','closed','','4230-revision-v1','','','2017-12-22 22:30:30','2017-12-22 22:30:30','',4230,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4230-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4282,2,'2017-12-22 22:35:56','2017-12-22 22:35:56','Happy Holidays, Everyone!\r\n\r\nAs we move into the darkest days of the year, I brighten mine by thinking of all the warmth and encouragement we have received in 2017 from you, our supporters.  Your leadership in communities across the Midwest to limit the impacts of pesticides differs in stark contrast to the barrage of discouraging environmental news we hear across the country.\r\n\r\nThanks in large part to your hard work this year, MPAC has seen some truly spectacular successes such as the expansion of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative and the incredible popularity of our new childcares online webinar.\r\n\r\nThe words of Margaret Mead resonate more with me today than at any time in the recent past, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it\'s the only thing that ever has.”  I’m amazed what so few can do to usher in positive change when the deck seems stacked against progress.\r\n\r\nHere at MPAC, we take our strength from your passion and the faith that you have in us to help achieve your vision of creating a safer and healthier future for “all creatures, great and small” – our children, our pets, our pollinators and the myriad of other living things that pesticides directly or indirectly impact.  So, as we move past these dark winter days, let us take solace in knowing that the sun will return as will MPAC’s commitment to you and our mission.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, look for… Midwest Grows Green to outpace all other programs in funding with projects expanding into the Calumet Region in Illinois and plans for research in Wisconsin and Illinois; our Asthma Friendly Childcares program to protect our most vulnerable in areas with some of the highest asthma rates in the country; and the advance of new laws and regulation to protect and preserve health and the environment.  MPAC will also seek new opportunities and unconventional strategies to progress our mission, such as incorporating IPM into the push for energy efficiency – not as much of a stretch as you may think.\r\n\r\nOne thing is for sure: Without your hard work, faith in us, and pure hubris none of our past or future successes would be possible.\r\n\r\nThank you and…\r\n\r\nA Bright and Happy New Year to All!\r\n\r\nRuth Kerzee','A Holiday Message from MPAC’s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee','','inherit','closed','closed','','4230-revision-v1','','','2017-12-22 22:35:56','2017-12-22 22:35:56','',4230,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4230-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4283,2,'2017-12-28 17:50:23','2017-12-28 17:50:23','','P1150676','','inherit','closed','closed','','p1150676','','','2017-12-28 17:50:23','2017-12-28 17:50:23','',4230,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/P1150676.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4284,2,'2017-12-28 17:51:39','2017-12-28 17:51:39','<img class=\"wp-image-4283 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/P1150676.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"246\" />Happy Holidays, Everyone!\r\n\r\nAs we move into the darkest days of the year, I brighten mine by thinking of all the warmth and encouragement we have received in 2017 from you, our supporters.  Your leadership in communities across the Midwest to limit the impacts of pesticides differs in stark contrast to the barrage of discouraging environmental news we hear across the country.\r\n\r\nThanks in large part to your hard work this year, MPAC has seen some truly spectacular successes such as the expansion of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative and the incredible popularity of our new childcares online webinar.\r\n\r\nThe words of Margaret Mead resonate more with me today than at any time in the recent past, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it\'s the only thing that ever has.”  I’m amazed what so few can do to usher in positive change when the deck seems stacked against progress.\r\n\r\nHere at MPAC, we take our strength from your passion and the faith that you have in us to help achieve your vision of creating a safer and healthier future for “all creatures, great and small” – our children, our pets, our pollinators and the myriad of other living things that pesticides directly or indirectly impact.  So, as we move past these dark winter days, let us take solace in knowing that the sun will return as will MPAC’s commitment to you and our mission.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, look for… Midwest Grows Green to outpace all other programs in funding with projects expanding into the Calumet Region in Illinois and plans for research in Wisconsin and Illinois; our Asthma Friendly Childcares program to protect our most vulnerable in areas with some of the highest asthma rates in the country; and the advance of new laws and regulation to protect and preserve health and the environment.  MPAC will also seek new opportunities and unconventional strategies to progress our mission, such as incorporating IPM into the push for energy efficiency – not as much of a stretch as you may think.\r\n\r\nOne thing is for sure: Without your hard work, faith in us, and pure hubris none of our past or future successes would be possible.\r\n\r\nThank you and…\r\n\r\nA Bright and Happy New Year to All!\r\n\r\nRuth Kerzee','A Holiday Message from MPAC’s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee','','inherit','closed','closed','','4230-autosave-v1','','','2017-12-28 17:51:39','2017-12-28 17:51:39','',4230,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4230-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4285,2,'2017-12-28 17:51:57','2017-12-28 17:51:57','<img class=\"wp-image-4283 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/P1150676.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"246\" />Happy Holidays, Everyone!\r\n\r\nAs we move into the darkest days of the year, I brighten mine by thinking of all the warmth and encouragement we have received in 2017 from you, our supporters.  Your leadership in communities across the Midwest to limit the impacts of pesticides differs in stark contrast to the barrage of discouraging environmental news we hear across the country.\r\n\r\nThanks in large part to your hard work this year, MPAC has seen some truly spectacular successes such as the expansion of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative and the incredible popularity of our new childcares online webinar.\r\n\r\nThe words of Margaret Mead resonate more with me today than at any time in the recent past, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it\'s the only thing that ever has.”  I’m amazed what so few can do to usher in positive change when the deck seems stacked against progress.\r\n\r\nHere at MPAC, we take our strength from your passion and the faith that you have in us to help achieve your vision of creating a safer and healthier future for “all creatures, great and small” – our children, our pets, our pollinators and the myriad of other living things that pesticides directly or indirectly impact.  So, as we move past these dark winter days, let us take solace in knowing that the sun will return as will MPAC’s commitment to you and our mission.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, look for… Midwest Grows Green to outpace all other programs in funding with projects expanding into the Calumet Region in Illinois and plans for research in Wisconsin and Illinois; our Asthma Friendly Childcares program to protect our most vulnerable in areas with some of the highest asthma rates in the country; and the advance of new laws and regulation to protect and preserve health and the environment.  MPAC will also seek new opportunities and unconventional strategies to progress our mission, such as incorporating IPM into the push for energy efficiency – not as much of a stretch as you may think.\r\n\r\nOne thing is for sure: Without your hard work, faith in us, and pure hubris none of our past or future successes would be possible.\r\n\r\nThank you and…\r\n\r\nA Bright and Happy New Year to All!\r\n\r\nRuth Kerzee','A Holiday Message from MPAC’s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee','','inherit','closed','closed','','4230-revision-v1','','','2017-12-28 17:51:57','2017-12-28 17:51:57','',4230,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4230-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4287,2,'2018-01-03 19:23:37','2018-01-03 19:23:37','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Go Green Oak Park\'s</strong> <strong>website</strong></a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" />\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','publish','closed','closed','','repeal-pesticide-preemption','','','2018-01-05 17:31:59','2018-01-05 17:31:59','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?page_id=4287',0,'page','',0),(4288,2,'2018-01-02 16:50:21','2018-01-02 16:50:21','<h2><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <strong>pesticide preemption</strong> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <strong>cannot</strong> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides carry risks to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a Change.org campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 16:50:21','2018-01-02 16:50:21','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4289,2,'2018-01-02 16:51:17','2018-01-02 16:51:17','<h2><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <strong>pesticide preemption</strong> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <strong>cannot</strong> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides carry risks to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a Change.org campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 16:51:17','2018-01-02 16:51:17','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4290,2,'2018-01-02 16:51:44','2018-01-02 16:51:44','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <strong>pesticide preemption</strong> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <strong>cannot</strong> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides carry risks to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a Change.org campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 16:51:44','2018-01-02 16:51:44','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4291,2,'2018-01-02 16:53:23','2018-01-02 16:53:23','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <strong>pesticide preemption</strong> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <strong>cannot</strong> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides carry risks to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 16:53:23','2018-01-02 16:53:23','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4292,2,'2018-01-02 17:28:59','2018-01-02 17:28:59','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides carry risks to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 17:28:59','2018-01-02 17:28:59','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4293,2,'2018-01-02 18:03:18','2018-01-02 18:03:18','','beecropped','','inherit','closed','closed','','beecropped','','','2018-01-02 18:03:18','2018-01-02 18:03:18','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4294,2,'2018-01-02 18:04:31','2018-01-02 18:04:31','','croppedkid','','inherit','closed','closed','','croppedkid','','','2018-01-02 18:04:31','2018-01-02 18:04:31','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4295,2,'2018-01-02 18:05:11','2018-01-02 18:05:11','','puppycropped','','inherit','closed','closed','','puppycropped','','','2018-01-02 18:05:11','2018-01-02 18:05:11','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4296,2,'2018-01-02 18:05:43','2018-01-02 18:05:43','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" />\r\n\r\nother local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your <img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"192\" height=\"192\" /></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:05:43','2018-01-02 18:05:43','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4297,2,'2018-01-02 18:07:00','2018-01-02 18:07:00','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nother local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" />','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:07:00','2018-01-02 18:07:00','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4298,2,'2018-01-02 18:12:50','2018-01-02 18:12:50','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[[three_fourth]\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/three_fourth]]\r\n\r\n[[one_fourth (last)]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_fourth (last)]]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:12:50','2018-01-02 18:12:50','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4299,2,'2018-01-02 18:13:54','2018-01-02 18:13:54','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:13:54','2018-01-02 18:13:54','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4300,2,'2018-01-02 18:16:23','2018-01-02 18:16:23','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:16:23','2018-01-02 18:16:23','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4301,2,'2018-01-02 18:17:03','2018-01-02 18:17:03','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:17:03','2018-01-02 18:17:03','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4302,2,'2018-01-02 18:19:40','2018-01-02 18:19:40','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n<br>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n<br>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:19:40','2018-01-02 18:19:40','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4303,2,'2018-01-02 18:20:03','2018-01-02 18:20:03','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n<br>\r\n<br>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n<br>\r\n<br>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:20:03','2018-01-02 18:20:03','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4304,2,'2018-01-02 18:20:21','2018-01-02 18:20:21','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:20:21','2018-01-02 18:20:21','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4305,2,'2018-01-02 18:21:31','2018-01-02 18:21:31','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:21:31','2018-01-02 18:21:31','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4306,2,'2018-01-02 18:25:47','2018-01-02 18:25:47','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<p><img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:25:47','2018-01-02 18:25:47','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4307,2,'2018-01-02 18:26:11','2018-01-02 18:26:11','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n<p><img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:26:11','2018-01-02 18:26:11','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4308,2,'2018-01-02 18:26:54','2018-01-02 18:26:54','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share</span></strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create</span></strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select</span></strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact</span></strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/three_fourth]\r\n\r\n[one_fourth_last]\r\n	<li> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" /> </li>\r\n\r\n<p><img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" /> \r\n\r\n[/one_fourth_last]','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:26:54','2018-01-02 18:26:54','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4309,2,'2018-01-02 18:30:09','2018-01-02 18:30:09','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment</a>.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products. Here are <strong>5 steps</strong> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong>Share</strong> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong>Download</strong> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong>Create</strong> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong>Select</strong> a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><strong>Contact</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"194\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" />\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"193\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:30:09','2018-01-02 18:30:09','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4310,2,'2018-01-02 18:32:12','2018-01-02 18:32:12','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repealing Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:32:12','2018-01-02 18:32:12','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4311,2,'2018-01-02 18:33:38','2018-01-02 18:33:38','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:33:38','2018-01-02 18:33:38','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4312,2,'2018-01-02 18:34:53','2018-01-02 18:34:53','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[full_width]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" />\r\n\r\n[/full_width]','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:34:53','2018-01-02 18:34:53','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4313,2,'2018-01-02 18:35:17','2018-01-02 18:35:17','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[full_width]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" /> <img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" />\r\n\r\n[/full_width]','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:35:17','2018-01-02 18:35:17','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4314,2,'2018-01-02 18:35:56','2018-01-02 18:35:56','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[full_width]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4293 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"alignleft wp-image-4294 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"alignright wp-image-4295 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n[/full_width]','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:35:56','2018-01-02 18:35:56','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4315,2,'2018-01-02 18:36:20','2018-01-02 18:36:20','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[full_width]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 size-medium alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 size-medium aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 size-medium alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n[/full_width]','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:36:20','2018-01-02 18:36:20','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4316,2,'2018-01-02 18:36:34','2018-01-02 18:36:34','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[full_width]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 size-medium alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 size-medium aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 size-medium alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" />\r\n\r\n[/full_width]','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:36:34','2018-01-02 18:36:34','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4317,2,'2018-01-02 18:44:01','2018-01-02 18:44:01','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4295\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:44:01','2018-01-02 18:44:01','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4318,2,'2018-01-02 18:44:52','2018-01-02 18:44:52','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4294\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:44:52','2018-01-02 18:44:52','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4319,2,'2018-01-02 18:45:02','2018-01-02 18:45:02','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4293\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:45:02','2018-01-02 18:45:02','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4320,2,'2018-01-02 18:45:19','2018-01-02 18:45:19','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">human health and our environment.</a>\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:45:19','2018-01-02 18:45:19','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4321,2,'2018-01-02 18:48:02','2018-01-02 18:48:02','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:48:02','2018-01-02 18:48:02','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4322,2,'2018-01-02 18:48:41','2018-01-02 18:48:41','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n\r\nHere are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:48:41','2018-01-02 18:48:41','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4323,2,'2018-01-02 18:49:16','2018-01-02 18:49:16','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> <strong>5 steps</strong></span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:49:16','2018-01-02 18:49:16','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4324,2,'2018-01-02 18:49:50','2018-01-02 18:49:50','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:49:50','2018-01-02 18:49:50','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4325,2,'2018-01-02 18:50:35','2018-01-02 18:50:35','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:50:35','2018-01-02 18:50:35','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4326,2,'2018-01-02 18:51:22','2018-01-02 18:51:22','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:51:22','2018-01-02 18:51:22','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4327,2,'2018-01-02 18:52:02','2018-01-02 18:52:02','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:52:02','2018-01-02 18:52:02','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4328,2,'2018-01-02 18:53:51','2018-01-02 18:53:51','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:53:51','2018-01-02 18:53:51','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4329,2,'2018-01-02 18:55:02','2018-01-02 18:55:02','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:55:02','2018-01-02 18:55:02','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4330,2,'2018-01-02 18:55:21','2018-01-02 18:55:21','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:55:21','2018-01-02 18:55:21','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4331,2,'2018-01-02 18:56:41','2018-01-02 18:56:41','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[three_fourth]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/three_fourth][one_fourth_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_fourth_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:56:41','2018-01-02 18:56:41','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4332,2,'2018-01-02 18:57:21','2018-01-02 18:57:21','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:57:21','2018-01-02 18:57:21','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4333,2,'2018-01-02 18:58:09','2018-01-02 18:58:09','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<em>Right now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\nVisit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:58:09','2018-01-02 18:58:09','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4334,2,'2018-01-02 18:59:01','2018-01-02 18:59:01','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"226\" height=\"226\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 18:59:01','2018-01-02 18:59:01','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4335,2,'2018-01-02 19:00:51','2018-01-02 19:00:51','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:00:51','2018-01-02 19:00:51','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4336,2,'2018-01-02 19:02:02','2018-01-02 19:02:02','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:02:02','2018-01-02 19:02:02','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4337,2,'2018-01-02 19:02:55','2018-01-02 19:02:55','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support MPAC and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:02:55','2018-01-02 19:02:55','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4338,2,'2018-01-02 19:07:46','2018-01-02 19:07:46','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many of these pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:07:46','2018-01-02 19:07:46','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4339,2,'2018-01-02 19:09:23','2018-01-02 19:09:23','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity and exposure to these harmful products.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:09:23','2018-01-02 19:09:23','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4340,2,'2018-01-02 19:10:37','2018-01-02 19:10:37','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:10:37','2018-01-02 19:10:37','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4341,2,'2018-01-02 19:11:31','2018-01-02 19:11:31','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n\r\nIt boils down to power.\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:11:31','2018-01-02 19:11:31','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4342,2,'2018-01-02 19:11:51','2018-01-02 19:11:51','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<strong>It boils down to power.</strong>\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:11:51','2018-01-02 19:11:51','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4343,2,'2018-01-02 19:12:50','2018-01-02 19:12:50','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<b><i>Why repeal?</i></b>\r\n\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:12:50','2018-01-02 19:12:50','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4344,2,'2018-01-02 19:13:23','2018-01-02 19:13:23','<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:13:23','2018-01-02 19:13:23','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4345,2,'2018-01-02 19:57:33','2018-01-02 19:57:33','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">We need your help to repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois.</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center and our partners in the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-02 19:57:33','2018-01-02 19:57:33','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4346,2,'2018-01-03 16:58:20','2018-01-03 16:58:20','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the petition and resolution templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 16:58:20','2018-01-03 16:58:20','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4347,2,'2018-01-03 16:59:15','2018-01-03 16:59:15','','Petition Final','','inherit','closed','closed','','petition-final','','','2018-01-03 17:00:42','2018-01-03 17:00:42','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx',0,'attachment','application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document',0),(4348,2,'2018-01-03 16:59:27','2018-01-03 16:59:27','','Preemption Resolution Final','','inherit','closed','closed','','preemption-resolution-final','','','2018-01-03 16:59:27','2018-01-03 16:59:27','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx',0,'attachment','application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document',0),(4349,2,'2018-01-03 17:10:09','2018-01-03 17:10:09','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:10:09','2018-01-03 17:10:09','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4350,2,'2018-01-03 17:11:20','2018-01-03 17:11:20','<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h1>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:11:20','2018-01-03 17:11:20','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4351,2,'2018-01-03 17:11:38','2018-01-03 17:11:38','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids by homeowners, pest control companies, or landscapers. Exposure to many pesticides threatens our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/\">health and environment</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:11:38','2018-01-03 17:11:38','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4352,2,'2018-01-03 17:14:57','2018-01-03 17:14:57','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:14:57','2018-01-03 17:14:57','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4353,2,'2018-01-03 17:31:28','2018-01-03 17:31:28','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">this webpage</span> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <span style=\"color: #000000;\">with others in your community.</span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:31:28','2018-01-03 17:31:28','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4354,2,'2018-01-03 17:31:55','2018-01-03 17:31:55','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">this webpage</span></strong> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">with others in your community.</span></strong></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:31:55','2018-01-03 17:31:55','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4355,2,'2018-01-03 17:32:29','2018-01-03 17:32:29','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>this webpage</strong></span> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>with others in your community.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:32:29','2018-01-03 17:32:29','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4356,2,'2018-01-03 17:33:10','2018-01-03 17:33:10','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>this webpage</strong></span> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>with others in your community.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>the</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>and</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>templates.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.</h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:33:10','2018-01-03 17:33:10','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4357,2,'2018-01-03 17:34:05','2018-01-03 17:34:05','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>this webpage</strong></span> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>with others in your community.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>the</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>and</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>templates.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">a</span></strong> <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>campaign with the petition.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson</strong></span> (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>to help advertise and for next steps.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now, <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/documents/StatePreemption.pdf\">pesticide preemption</a> dictates that only Illinois state government has the power to regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Because of preemption, municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 17:34:05','2018-01-03 17:34:05','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4359,2,'2018-01-03 21:57:53','2018-01-03 21:57:53','','PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1','','inherit','closed','closed','','preemptionrepeal_factsheet_links1','','','2018-01-03 21:57:53','2018-01-03 21:57:53','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(4361,2,'2018-01-03 22:02:32','2018-01-03 22:02:32','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Here are<span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"> 5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Share</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>this webpage</strong></span> (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>with others in your community.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Download</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>the</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>and</strong></span> <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>templates.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Create</strong></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">a</span></strong> <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>campaign with the petition.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Select</strong> </span><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n 	<li>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Contact</strong></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson</strong></span> (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) <span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>to help advertise and for next steps.</strong></span></h4>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/one_half][one_half_last]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><b><i>Why repeal pesticide preemption?</i></b></p>\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities <em>cannot</em> legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n\r\n<em>Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</em>[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" /> <img class=\"wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"275\" />','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-03 22:02:32','2018-01-03 22:02:32','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4364,2,'2018-01-04 17:23:28','2018-01-04 17:23:28','','picnic-2659208_640','','inherit','closed','closed','','picnic-2659208_640','','','2018-01-04 17:23:28','2018-01-04 17:23:28','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4365,2,'2018-01-04 17:44:27','2018-01-04 17:44:27','','bee-1040521_640','','inherit','closed','closed','','bee-1040521_640','','','2018-01-04 17:44:27','2018-01-04 17:44:27','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/bee-1040521_640.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4366,2,'2018-01-04 17:57:27','2018-01-04 17:57:27','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 17:57:27','2018-01-04 17:57:27','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4367,2,'2018-01-04 18:02:50','2018-01-04 18:02:50','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:02:50','2018-01-04 18:02:50','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4368,2,'2018-01-04 18:03:48','2018-01-04 18:03:48','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:03:48','2018-01-04 18:03:48','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4369,2,'2018-01-04 18:04:23','2018-01-04 18:04:23','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p></div>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:04:23','2018-01-04 18:04:23','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4370,2,'2018-01-04 18:05:04','2018-01-04 18:05:04','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:05:04','2018-01-04 18:05:04','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4371,2,'2018-01-04 18:05:19','2018-01-04 18:05:19','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:05:19','2018-01-04 18:05:19','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4372,2,'2018-01-04 18:06:10','2018-01-04 18:06:10','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid black; padding: 15px;\">\r\n\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>. Repealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />   <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignnone\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4364\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/picnic-2659208_640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" />\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:06:10','2018-01-04 18:06:10','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4373,2,'2018-01-04 18:59:29','2018-01-04 18:59:29','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner Go Green Oak Park\'s <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" />\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-04 18:59:29','2018-01-04 18:59:29','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4374,2,'2018-01-05 17:31:50','2018-01-05 17:31:50','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\n\n<hr />\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\n\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Go Green Oak Park\'s</strong> <strong>website</strong></a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\n[/one_half]\n\n[one_half_last]\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\n\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\n[/one_half_last]\n\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" />\n<!--more-->\n\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-autosave-v1','','','2018-01-05 17:31:50','2018-01-05 17:31:50','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4375,2,'2018-01-05 14:55:53','2018-01-05 14:55:53','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner <strong>Go Green Oak Park\'s</strong> <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\">website</a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" />\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-05 14:55:53','2018-01-05 14:55:53','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4376,2,'2018-01-05 17:31:59','2018-01-05 17:31:59','<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Help repeal pesticide preemption in Illinois!</span></strong></h2>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">[one_half]</p>\r\nRight now in Illinois, only the state government can regulate, limit, or ban private pesticide use, sales, handling, and disposal. Municipalities and other local authorities cannot legally limit the private use of pesticides such as bee-killing neonicotinoids, because of <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PreemptionRepeal_factsheet_links1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pesticide preemption</a>.\r\n\r\nRepealing preemption at the state level allows your local authority to better control the toxicity of and exposure to harmful products being used in your community.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Visit our partner <a href=\"https://gogreenoakpark.wordpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Go Green Oak Park\'s</strong> <strong>website</strong></a> for more information on pesticide preemption in Illinois.</p>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Here are <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">5 steps</span> to support the fight to end pesticide preemption in the state of Illinois:</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>1. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Share </span></strong>this webpage (<a href=\"http://bit.ly/ILpreemption\">bit.ly/ILpreemption</a>) with others in your community.\r\n<strong> 2. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Download</span></strong> the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Petition-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">petition</a> and <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Preemption-Resolution-Final.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">resolution</a> templates.\r\n<strong> 3. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Create </span></strong>a <a href=\"https://www.change.org/start-a-petition\">Change.org</a> campaign with the petition.\r\n<strong> 4. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Select </span></strong>a public official from your community to receive the petition (Mayor, Board Chair, etc.).\r\n<strong> 5. <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Contact </span></strong>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson (<a href=\"mailto:randerson@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>) to help advertise and for next steps.\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-4295 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppycropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4294 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/croppedkid.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" /> <img class=\"size-full wp-image-4293 alignleft\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/beecropped.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"280\" />\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Repeal Pesticide Preemption','','inherit','closed','closed','','4287-revision-v1','','','2018-01-05 17:31:59','2018-01-05 17:31:59','',4287,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4287-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4377,2,'2018-01-05 19:09:56','2018-01-05 19:09:56',' ','','','publish','closed','closed','','4377','','','2018-07-26 21:11:37','2018-07-26 21:11:37','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=4377',22,'nav_menu_item','',0),(4379,2,'2018-01-08 15:41:46','2018-01-08 15:41:46','','bee flower','','inherit','closed','closed','','bee-flower','','','2018-01-08 15:41:46','2018-01-08 15:41:46','',36,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bee-flower.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4381,2,'2018-01-08 15:43:51','2018-01-08 15:43:51','','Home','','inherit','closed','closed','','36-revision-v1','','','2018-01-08 15:43:51','2018-01-08 15:43:51','',36,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/36-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4387,2,'2018-01-16 23:06:48','2018-01-16 23:06:48','<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4397\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eviction_stockphoto_compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"259\" />Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</a>. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s <a href=\"https://bc-firm.com/chicago-landlord-tenant-ordinance/\">Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance</a>, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include <a href=\"https://www.tenants-rights.org/\">Metropolitan Tenants Organization</a>, (773) 292-4980 and <a href=\"http://lcbh.org/get-legal-help\">Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing</a>, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related links:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedbugTenantsEnglishUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Fact Sheet for Tenants</a> (available in multiple languages)\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\">Chicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ReasonableAccomodationsUpdate.pdf\">The Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','publish','closed','open','','from-insects-to-eviction-threats-one-tenants-battle-with-bed-bugs-and-landlord-mismanagement','','','2018-01-17 17:52:47','2018-01-17 17:52:47','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=4387',0,'post','',0),(4389,2,'2018-01-16 22:46:56','2018-01-16 22:46:56','<h1>From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement</h1>\r\nMany city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a Chicago apartment when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<strong> MPAC:</strong><em> Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me a little bit about your living situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I live in a studio with my fiancé. Our building is on the Uptown/Edgewater border. It’s a good-sized building with 7 floors and many units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How did you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\nE: Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\nL: And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?\r\n\r\nE: That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\nL: Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?\r\n\r\nE: I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\nL: Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?\r\n\r\nE: We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\nL: Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?\r\n\r\nKnow your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\nL: Is there anything else you’d like to share?\r\n\r\nE: You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\nL: Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:46:56','2018-01-16 22:46:56','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4390,2,'2018-01-16 22:50:03','2018-01-16 22:50:03','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a Chicago apartment when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong> MPAC:</strong><em> Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me a little bit about your living situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I live in a studio with my fiancé. Our building is on the Uptown/Edgewater border. It’s a good-sized building with 7 floors and many units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How did you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:50:03','2018-01-16 22:50:03','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4391,2,'2018-01-16 22:52:46','2018-01-16 22:52:46','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:52:46','2018-01-16 22:52:46','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4392,2,'2018-01-16 22:54:41','2018-01-16 22:54:41','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:54:41','2018-01-16 22:54:41','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4393,2,'2018-01-16 22:55:52','2018-01-16 22:55:52','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:55:52','2018-01-16 22:55:52','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4394,2,'2018-01-16 22:56:18','2018-01-16 22:56:18','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:56:18','2018-01-16 22:56:18','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4395,2,'2018-01-16 22:57:44','2018-01-16 22:57:44','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include Metropolitan Tenants Organization, (773) 292-4980 and Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\nChicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Factsheet for Tenants (available in multiple languages)\r\nChicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home\r\nBed Bug Checklist for Tenants\r\nThe Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 22:57:44','2018-01-16 22:57:44','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4396,2,'2018-01-16 23:04:40','2018-01-16 23:04:40','Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</a>. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s <a href=\"https://bc-firm.com/chicago-landlord-tenant-ordinance/\">Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance</a>, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include <a href=\"https://www.tenants-rights.org/\">Metropolitan Tenants Organization</a>, (773) 292-4980 and <a href=\"http://lcbh.org/get-legal-help\">Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing</a>, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related links:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedbugTenantsEnglishUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Fact Sheet for Tenants</a> (available in multiple languages)\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\">Chicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ReasonableAccomodationsUpdate.pdf\">The Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 23:04:40','2018-01-16 23:04:40','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4397,2,'2018-01-16 23:34:35','2018-01-16 23:34:35','','eviction_stockphoto_compressed','','inherit','closed','closed','','eviction_stockphoto_compressed','','','2018-01-16 23:34:35','2018-01-16 23:34:35','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eviction_stockphoto_compressed.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4398,2,'2018-01-16 23:40:37','2018-01-16 23:40:37','<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4397\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eviction_stockphoto_compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"259\" />Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</a>. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s <a href=\"https://bc-firm.com/chicago-landlord-tenant-ordinance/\">Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance</a>, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include <a href=\"https://www.tenants-rights.org/\">Metropolitan Tenants Organization</a>, (773) 292-4980 and <a href=\"http://lcbh.org/get-legal-help\">Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing</a>, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related links:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedbugTenantsEnglishUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Fact Sheet for Tenants</a> (available in multiple languages)\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\">Chicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ReasonableAccomodationsUpdate.pdf\">The Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-autosave-v1','','','2018-01-16 23:40:37','2018-01-16 23:40:37','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4399,2,'2018-01-16 23:38:00','2018-01-16 23:38:00','<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-4397\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eviction_stockphoto_compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"401\" height=\"268\" />Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home.\r\n\r\nFormer MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</a>. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s <a href=\"https://bc-firm.com/chicago-landlord-tenant-ordinance/\">Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance</a>, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include <a href=\"https://www.tenants-rights.org/\">Metropolitan Tenants Organization</a>, (773) 292-4980 and <a href=\"http://lcbh.org/get-legal-help\">Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing</a>, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related links:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedbugTenantsEnglishUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Fact Sheet for Tenants</a> (available in multiple languages)\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\">Chicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ReasonableAccomodationsUpdate.pdf\">The Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 23:38:00','2018-01-16 23:38:00','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4400,2,'2018-01-16 23:40:48','2018-01-16 23:40:48','<img class=\"alignright wp-image-4397\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/eviction_stockphoto_compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"259\" />Many city-dwellers are aware that they are at risk of a bed bug infestation, but no one expects it to happen to them--and few are prepared for the toll that it can take. At MPAC, we have heard many accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial struggle that comes with a bed bug infestation, but this story hits particularly close to home. Former MPAC intern and recent college grad Ellicia, 23, and her navy veteran fiancé Garrett, 27, had recently moved into a studio apartment in a multi-unit building near Chicago\'s Uptown/Edgewater border when they began experiencing a bed bug infestation that threatened their property, wellbeing, and eventually their home. Ellie has chosen to share her experience both as a cautionary tale to others and to speak out against mismanagement by landlords who may try to take advantage of low-income tenants and fail to address the pest in compliance with <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance</a>. MPAC staff member Leandra Trudeau interviewed Ellie about her experience.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Thanks for doing this interview. We’re very sorry to hear about your ongoing bed bug and landlord issues. To begin, can you tell me </em><em>how you come to realize you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We moved in in July, and at first, everything seemed fine. We found a few beetles here and there, but not bed bugs. Eventually, the beetles in the kitchen got really bad and an exterminator was sent in October. Fast forward to November, and we began seeing little bugs crawling on the wall in our bedroom. Due to my past internship with MPAC, I was suspicious that they might be bed bugs. We flipped over the mattress and found more bugs and the spots that are their fecal matter. That’s how we knew it was bed bugs.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you know of any other infestations in your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I don’t know of other bed bug infestations, but all of our neighbors have issues with bugs in the building, especially the beetles we have in the kitchen. Our building is notorious for bug issues. Several neighbors have gotten lawyers involved and broken their leases.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>That’s awful. Did your landlord disclose any infestations before you signed the lease?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they didn’t disclose anything.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> So what did you do when you realized you had bed bugs?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> As soon as we noticed the bed bugs, we sent a formal written notice to our property manager. She didn’t respond within the 10 days that she is required to by [Chicago’s bed bug ordinance]. We had to chase her down instead. Two weeks after, they sprayed for the bed bugs, but during that delay the bed bugs had multiplied astronomically. I also bought a bed cover and some different products – EcoDefense bed bug killer, and Raid for the beetles in the kitchen.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Did a licensed Pest Control Operator do the pesticide application?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, it was a licensed Pest Control Operator. However, they didn’t do their job according to the law. Legally according to the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedBugOrdinanceEssentialsUpdate.pdf\">Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, they have to inspect the units above, below, and on either side of ours as well, but they didn’t inspect the other units. I asked him if he had inspected the other units, and he said, “No, I haven’t heard anything, so I’m going to leave it alone for now.” I told him I could see where the bed bugs are coming from--through the wall from the unit to the right of ours. The Pest Control Operator said, “Yeah, they probably do have bed bugs, but I haven’t been told anything.” So he wouldn’t inspect any other units.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How many times have they come to spray? Was it effective?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> They’ve sprayed two times and they will have to come back a third time. No, it hasn’t gotten rid of the bed bugs, and the product I bought hasn’t worked either. After they came to spray for the first time, bed bugs were still coming out of the wall.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Are you aware of an existing Integrated Pest Management Plan for your building?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No I am not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And aside from spraying, did your property manager or landlord provide you with any resources to help you deal with the bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, they did not.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>How have the bed bugs impacted your well being--physically, emotionally, and financially?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> My fiancée Garret’s parents gave us a beautiful, king-sized memory foam mattress as an engagement/moving in present, which was completely destroyed. We also had a large book collection, including first editions of books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, which were all destroyed as well. My back was eaten up—I had to buy creams for it—and I still have scars. Emotionally, I can’t feel comfortable in my own apartment and I am constantly stressed out and anxious due to the problems with my landlord, who is trying to intimidate us into leaving the building.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Tell me more about what’s been happening with your landlord.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Because they aren’t following the law—they waited two weeks to start spraying and wouldn’t have the units surrounding ours inspected—the problem has gotten much worse and it has impacted us financially. We contacted Midwest Pesticide Action Center and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization [abbreviated MTO] asking what we could do. MTO told us that we are within our rights to withhold partial rent. We had MTO guide us through that process to make sure we did everything by the book so we couldn’t get in trouble for withholding rent. We sent a notice to our landlord who is based in the suburbs that we were withholding $450, which is about 60% of our rent, to compensate for damages. The damages are actually more, but we only decided to only withhold 60% to show good faith to our landlord.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And did you hear anything back?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> No, it was radio silence. Everything seemed fine, until the other day we found a 5 day notice on our door saying that we had 5 days to pay the amount we withheld or they would begin proceeding with eviction. And that’s illegal. According to Chicago’s <a href=\"https://bc-firm.com/chicago-landlord-tenant-ordinance/\">Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance</a>, it’s illegal for them to try to threaten or intimidate us out of the building because that is an act of retaliation.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Were you aware of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance before you experienced your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Yes, I was previously aware of the Ordinance because of my time as an intern at MPAC.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>And in your opinion, did the fact that Chicago has an ordinance help you deal with your bed bug problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> That’s difficult to answer. I would say yes because it required my landlord to spray, but they didn’t follow smaller parts of the Ordinance such as inspecting and treating adjoining units for infestations, which caused the bed bugs to return and for this issue to spiral out of control. Furthermore, when I try to contact upper management, they either ignore me completely or seem to have a million excuses for the current situation. In addition, threatening us with eviction for withholding partial rent and trying to intimidate us out of the building is illegal. I wish the Ordinance held these property management companies/landlords more accountable, because after doing some research I’ve learned this management company is notorious for having major bug issues even beyond bed bugs in all of its buildings. I question why this has gone on for so long. It should have stopped by now.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Where are you at with the problem currently, and what will you do next?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> I was trying to avoid this, but we will probably have to get a lawyer involved, especially if they are threatening us with eviction. We may also have to break the lease. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable in my own building because I know we aren’t wanted there by management. We’re trying to find a lawyer who is on a sliding scale. I’m a recent grad just starting out in my career and my fiancée is a recent veteran—he just got out of the military in July and he has to restart his career as a civilian from scratch. When you’re low income like we are right now, it’s easy for a big landlord to take advantage of you because you don’t have the resources to hire lawyers.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong><em> Is there anything more you would have liked regulatory authorities to do to help people in your situation?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> We reported the building via 311 to the [Chicago] Department of Buildings. I wish it was taken more seriously and I wish there were laws to hold landlords accountable without going through the process of hiring a lawyer.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Do you have any advice for others experiencing this problem?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> Know your rights and don’t back down. At first, I was tempted to just pay the money so I don’t have to worry about eviction. But I decided that no, I’ve done nothing wrong. I shouldn’t have to pay full rent for an uninhabitable apartment—they need to get this fixed.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> <em>Is there anything else you’d like to share?</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ellie:</strong> You don’t really realize the emotional impact of something like this until you experience it. I never thought just having a bug problem could affect my emotions so much. I’m so anxious and stressed out all the time. Will I come home and find an eviction notice? Am I going to have to find a new apartment? There’s just so much emotional anxiety and stress. Landlords see a young 20-something couple like us and think they can get away with it, and in most cases, they can. It has to stop.\r\n\r\n<strong>MPAC:</strong> Thank you so much, Ellie, for sharing your experience. I hope that your story can help us prevent this from happening to more people like you in the future.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, stories like Ellie’s are all too common. Although the passing of the Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance in 2012, in which MPAC played an integral role, has gone a long way toward putting regulations in place to protect tenant rights and prevent the spread of bed bugs, many landlords still do not comply fully with some aspects of the Ordinance, whether willfully or out of ignorance, and tenants often do not know their rights. In Ellie’s case, a timely response by her landlord and proper inspection and treatment of surrounding units as required by the Ordinance would likely have prevented the problem from getting out of hand and sparking a costly and time-consuming landlord-tenant dispute. MPAC will continue to push for better landlord education on bed bug issues. Better enforcement of the Ordinance by regulatory authorities may also be needed, especially in cases of low-income tenants who do not have the financial resources to take landlords to task themselves.\r\n\r\nAs one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, bed bugs are no joke, and neither are the messy disputes that come with them. As Ellie said, know your rights, and arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself if bed bugs come to call. Familiarize yourself with Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance and bed bug prevention strategies at bit.ly/MPACresources. Organizations that can help empower and guide Chicago tenants through landlord disputes include <a href=\"https://www.tenants-rights.org/\">Metropolitan Tenants Organization</a>, (773) 292-4980 and <a href=\"http://lcbh.org/get-legal-help\">Lawyer’s Committee for Better Housing</a>, (312) 347-7600.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related links:</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BedbugTenantsEnglishUpdate.pdf\">Chicago’s Bed Bug Ordinance: A Fact Sheet for Tenants</a> (available in multiple languages)\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\">Chicago Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities: Keeping a Pest Free Home</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ReasonableAccomodationsUpdate.pdf\">The Fair Housing Act: Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>','From Insects to Eviction Threats: One Tenant’s Battle with Bed Bugs and Landlord Mismanagement','','inherit','closed','closed','','4387-revision-v1','','','2018-01-16 23:40:48','2018-01-16 23:40:48','',4387,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4387-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4402,2,'2018-01-31 21:09:37','2018-01-31 21:09:37','<h3>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson explores how to connect with those initially resistant to Natural Lawn Care</h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4407\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"276\"]<img class=\"wp-image-4407\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IPRA_website-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"276\" height=\"207\" /> IL Parks Conference speakers from left to right: Michael Kormanik, Logic Lawn Care\'s Steve Neumann, Dig Right In\'s Jeff Swano, Carl Gorra, and Terry Wolf[/caption]\r\n\r\nOur natural lawn care (NLC) session at the 2018 <a href=\"http://www.ilparksconference.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Parks Conference</a> last month <a href=\"http://mikenowak.net/this-weeks-show/january-28-2018-solar-speed-bump-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">had it all</a>. I covered the environmental and health risks of pesticides and how to engage the community in these issues. Two NLC companies, <a href=\"http://www.logiclawncare.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Logic Lawn Care</a> and <a href=\"https://www.digrightin.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dig Right In Landscaping Inc.</a>, walked the 40 plus attendees through the NLC approach, its policies, and the costs.  Michael Kormanik of the Evanston Environmental Commission offered suggestions on how to market the approach to a park board. Carl Gorra from the <a href=\"https://www.napervilleparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naperville Park District</a> described how he applied organic steps into his park management practices.\r\n\r\nOut of all these presentations, however, I would argue that <a href=\"http://www.prparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Park Ridge Park District’s</a> Terry Wolf stole the show.  Terry put it simply, when MPAC and <a href=\"http://www.gogreenparkridge.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go Green Park Ridge</a> (GGPR) introduced the idea of a natural, pesticide-free park in 2013, he thought “no way” he could implement NLC in his parks. But, thanks to Terry’s willingness to learn and GGPR’s persistence on the issue, Terry’s “no way” position evolved in to “<a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/news/ct-prh-natural-lawn-care-tl-1001-20150929-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why not?</a>”\r\n\r\nFrom now on, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) wants to reach the “no way” crowd at every presentation, workshop, or fair we attend. Because we will not achieve large-scale lawn care behavior change if our information only reaches the environmentally conscious.\r\n\r\nTo reach the “no way” crowd in 2018, we started to identify trade show and professional development events similar to the IL Parks Conference and develop resources to help our many community partners and advocates discuss natural lawn care options with their local authorities (see our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ActivistToolkitUpdated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Activist Toolkit</a>).\r\n\r\nIt helps that our MGG Lawn &amp; Land Forum forged a path for us to connect and discuss NLC and IPM practices, policies, and strategies with park, school, and grounds managers that normally do not attend the expos and networking events that we do. Since October of 2016, a total of 163 individuals representing 21 different park districts, 8 different school districts, and 14 different lawn care companies have attended one of the forum’s five sessions. Most notably, 66 attended the Forum’s <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">inaugural in-person workshop</a> on November 13<sup>th</sup> of last year.\r\n\r\nAt events like our 11/13 workshop, we have the unique opportunity to monitor how turf policymakers and practitioners view the practicality of NLC and identify the barriers that prevent more NLC practices in our parks, schools, and other public places. The main takeaways from the 11/13 event include:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Focus on feeding the soil with <a href=\"https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/2001/august/what-does-organic-matter-do-in-soil/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organic matter</a>, that feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and biota, that feeds grass roots with cycled nitrogen and other nutrients.</li>\r\n 	<li>Conventional pesticides are often used to <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/athletic-field-maintenance-bulletin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">replace good cultural practices</a> of mowing, fertilization, aeration, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\">Effective IPM/NLC policies and programs</a> often follow a bottom-up meets top-down approach that starts by educating the public and building “up” from there to the park and school district level.</li>\r\n 	<li>Traditional cost valuation methods for lawns place far too much value on the greenness of lawns as opposed to the building block of all healthy plant life, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\">the soil</a>.</li>\r\n 	<li>Managing community expectations during the transition to NLC or IPM requires the combined effort of businesses, advocates, educational institutions, nonprofits, and park and school districts.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWe have 51 more pages of takeaways, best practices, and observations learned during the workshop available on the <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association’s</a> website at <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CmVT1y4Bm7vTh2XTIXY0l002tfYOyE2/view\">bit.ly/LLFwk17</a>. I strongly encourage you to follow our Forum resources page at <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/newsletter.aspx\">bit.ly/LLFresources</a> as we continue to add more tools, notes, and recordings to help advance pesticide reduction policies and programs in landscaping.\r\n\r\nWe have another year planned of webinars and workshops that will only reach the “no way” folks with the engagement and work of you; our MGG pledges and community advocates. So please continue <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">sharing our forum</a> with your park and school districts and encourage your neighbors to take the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\">With your support</a>, we should have a ground-breaking year for natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping!','From \"no way\" to \"why not?\"','','publish','closed','open','','from-no-way-to-why-not','','http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/','2018-01-31 21:41:50','2018-01-31 21:41:50','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=4402',0,'post','',0),(4403,2,'2018-01-31 20:20:03','2018-01-31 20:20:03','Our natural lawn care (NLC) session at the 2018 Illinois Parks Conference last month had it all. I covered the environmental and health risks of pesticides and how to engage the community in these issues. Two NLC companies, Logic Lawn Care and Dig Right In Landscaping Inc., walked the 40 plus attendees through the NLC approach, its policies, and the costs.  Michael Kormanik of the Evanston Environmental Commission offered suggestions on how to market the approach to a park board. Carl Gorra from the Naperville Park District described how he applied NLC steps into his park management practices.\r\n\r\nOut of all these presentations, however, I would argue that Park Ridge Park District’s Terry Wolf stole the show.  Terry put it simply, when MPAC and Go Green Park Ridge (GGPR) introduced the idea of a natural, pesticide-free park in 2013, he thought “no way” he could implement NLC in his parks. But, thanks to Terry’s willingness to learn and GGPR’s persistence on the issue, Terry’s “no way” position evolved in to “why not?”\r\n\r\nFrom now on, Midwest Grows Green (MGG) wants to reach the “no way” crowd at every presentation, workshop, or fair we attend. Because we will not achieve large-scale lawn care behavior change if our information only reaches the environmentally conscious.\r\n\r\nTo reach the “no way” crowd in 2018, we started to identify trade show and professional development events similar to the IL Parks Conference and develop resources to help our many community partners and advocates discuss natural lawn care options with their local authorities (see our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ActivistToolkitUpdated.pdf\">Activist Toolkit</a>).\r\n\r\nIt helps that our MGG Lawn &amp; Land Forum created an avenue for us to connect and discuss NLC and IPM practices, policies, and strategies with park, school, and grounds managers that normally do not attend the expos and networking events that we do. Since October of 2016, a total of 163 individuals representing x different park districts, x different school districts, and x different lawn care companies have attended one of the forum’s five sessions. Most notably, 66 attended the Forum’s inaugural in-person workshop on November 13<sup>th</sup> of last year.\r\n\r\nAt events like our 11/13 workshop, we have the unique opportunity to monitor how turf policymakers and practitioners view the practicality of NLC and identify the barriers that prevent more NLC practices in our parks, schools, and other public places. The main takeaways from the 11/13 event include:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Focus on feeding the soil with <a href=\"https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/2001/august/what-does-organic-matter-do-in-soil/\">organic matter</a>, that feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and biota, that feeds grass roots with cycled nitrogen and other nutrients.</li>\r\n 	<li>Conventional pesticides are often used to <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/athletic-field-maintenance-bulletin\">replace good cultural practices</a> of mowing, fertilization, aeration, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\">Effective IPM/NLC policies and programs</a> often follow a bottom-up meets top-down approach that starts by educating the public and building “up” from there to the park and school district level.</li>\r\n 	<li>Traditional cost valuation methods for lawns place far too much value on the greenness of lawns as opposed to the building block of all healthy plant life, the soil.</li>\r\n 	<li>Managing community expectations during the transition to NLC or IPM requires the combined effort of businesses, advocates, educational institutions, nonprofits, and park and school districts.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWe have 51 more pages of takeaways, best practices, and observations learned during the workshop available on the Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association’s website at bit.ly/LLFwk17. I strongly encourage you to follow our Forum resources page at bit.ly/LLFresources as we continue to add more tools, notes, and recordings to help advance pesticide reduction policies and programs in landscaping.\r\n\r\nWe have another year planned of webinars and workshops that will only reach the “no way” folks with the engagement and work of you; our MGG pledges and community advocates. So please continue sharing our forum with your park and school districts and encourage your neighbors to take the pledge at bit.ly/MGGpledge. With your support, we should have a ground-breaking year for natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping!','','','inherit','closed','closed','','4402-revision-v1','','','2018-01-31 20:20:03','2018-01-31 20:20:03','',4402,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4402-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4404,2,'2018-01-31 20:35:55','2018-01-31 20:35:55','Our natural lawn care (NLC) session at the 2018 <a href=\"http://www.ilparksconference.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Parks Conference</a> last month <a href=\"http://mikenowak.net/this-weeks-show/january-28-2018-solar-speed-bump-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">had it all</a>. I covered the environmental and health risks of pesticides and how to engage the community in these issues. Two NLC companies, <a href=\"http://www.logiclawncare.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Logic Lawn Care</a> and <a href=\"https://www.digrightin.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dig Right In Landscaping Inc.</a>, walked the 40 plus attendees through the NLC approach, its policies, and the costs.  Michael Kormanik of the Evanston Environmental Commission offered suggestions on how to market the approach to a park board. Carl Gorra from the <a href=\"https://www.napervilleparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naperville Park District</a> described how he applied organic steps into his park management practices.\r\n\r\nOut of all these presentations, however, I would argue that <a href=\"http://www.prparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Park Ridge Park District’s</a> Terry Wolf stole the show.  Terry put it simply, when MPAC and <a href=\"http://www.gogreenparkridge.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go Green Park Ridge</a> (GGPR) introduced the idea of a natural, pesticide-free park in 2013, he thought “no way” he could implement NLC in his parks. But, thanks to Terry’s willingness to learn and GGPR’s persistence on the issue, Terry’s “no way” position evolved in to “<a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/news/ct-prh-natural-lawn-care-tl-1001-20150929-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why not?</a>”\r\n\r\nFrom now on, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) wants to reach the “no way” crowd at every presentation, workshop, or fair we attend. Because we will not achieve large-scale lawn care behavior change if our information only reaches the environmentally conscious.\r\n\r\nTo reach the “no way” crowd in 2018, we started to identify trade show and professional development events similar to the IL Parks Conference and develop resources to help our many community partners and advocates discuss natural lawn care options with their local authorities (see our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ActivistToolkitUpdated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Activist Toolkit</a>).\r\n\r\nIt helps that our MGG Lawn &amp; Land Forum forged a path for us to connect and discuss NLC and IPM practices, policies, and strategies with park, school, and grounds managers that normally do not attend the expos and networking events that we do. Since October of 2016, a total of 163 individuals representing x different park districts, x different school districts, and x different lawn care companies have attended one of the forum’s five sessions. Most notably, 66 attended the Forum’s <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">inaugural in-person workshop</a> on November 13<sup>th</sup> of last year.\r\n\r\nAt events like our 11/13 workshop, we have the unique opportunity to monitor how turf policymakers and practitioners view the practicality of NLC and identify the barriers that prevent more NLC practices in our parks, schools, and other public places. The main takeaways from the 11/13 event include:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Focus on feeding the soil with <a href=\"https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/2001/august/what-does-organic-matter-do-in-soil/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organic matter</a>, that feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and biota, that feeds grass roots with cycled nitrogen and other nutrients.</li>\r\n 	<li>Conventional pesticides are often used to <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/athletic-field-maintenance-bulletin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">replace good cultural practices</a> of mowing, fertilization, aeration, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\">Effective IPM/NLC policies and programs</a> often follow a bottom-up meets top-down approach that starts by educating the public and building “up” from there to the park and school district level.</li>\r\n 	<li>Traditional cost valuation methods for lawns place far too much value on the greenness of lawns as opposed to the building block of all healthy plant life, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\">the soil</a>.</li>\r\n 	<li>Managing community expectations during the transition to NLC or IPM requires the combined effort of businesses, advocates, educational institutions, nonprofits, and park and school districts.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWe have 51 more pages of takeaways, best practices, and observations learned during the workshop available on the <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association’s</a> website at <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CmVT1y4Bm7vTh2XTIXY0l002tfYOyE2/view\">bit.ly/LLFwk17</a>. I strongly encourage you to follow our Forum resources page at <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/newsletter.aspx\">bit.ly/LLFresources</a> as we continue to add more tools, notes, and recordings to help advance pesticide reduction policies and programs in landscaping.\r\n\r\nWe have another year planned of webinars and workshops that will only reach the “no way” folks with the engagement and work of you; our MGG pledges and community advocates. So please continue <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">sharing our forum</a> with your park and school districts and encourage your neighbors to take the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\">With your support</a>, we should have a ground-breaking year for natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping!','','','inherit','closed','closed','','4402-revision-v1','','','2018-01-31 20:35:55','2018-01-31 20:35:55','',4402,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4402-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(4405,2,'2018-01-31 20:38:38','2018-01-31 20:38:38','<h2>MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson explores how to connect with the initially resistant to the adoption of Natural Lawn Care</h2>\r\nOur natural lawn care (NLC) session at the 2018 <a href=\"http://www.ilparksconference.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Parks Conference</a> last month <a href=\"http://mikenowak.net/this-weeks-show/january-28-2018-solar-speed-bump-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">had it all</a>. I covered the environmental and health risks of pesticides and how to engage the community in these issues. Two NLC companies, <a href=\"http://www.logiclawncare.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Logic Lawn Care</a> and <a href=\"https://www.digrightin.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dig Right In Landscaping Inc.</a>, walked the 40 plus attendees through the NLC approach, its policies, and the costs.  Michael Kormanik of the Evanston Environmental Commission offered suggestions on how to market the approach to a park board. Carl Gorra from the <a href=\"https://www.napervilleparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naperville Park District</a> described how he applied organic steps into his park management practices.\r\n\r\nOut of all these presentations, however, I would argue that <a href=\"http://www.prparks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Park Ridge Park District’s</a> Terry Wolf stole the show.  Terry put it simply, when MPAC and <a href=\"http://www.gogreenparkridge.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Go Green Park Ridge</a> (GGPR) introduced the idea of a natural, pesticide-free park in 2013, he thought “no way” he could implement NLC in his parks. But, thanks to Terry’s willingness to learn and GGPR’s persistence on the issue, Terry’s “no way” position evolved in to “<a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/news/ct-prh-natural-lawn-care-tl-1001-20150929-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why not?</a>”\r\n\r\nFrom now on, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) wants to reach the “no way” crowd at every presentation, workshop, or fair we attend. Because we will not achieve large-scale lawn care behavior change if our information only reaches the environmentally conscious.\r\n\r\nTo reach the “no way” crowd in 2018, we started to identify trade show and professional development events similar to the IL Parks Conference and develop resources to help our many community partners and advocates discuss natural lawn care options with their local authorities (see our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ActivistToolkitUpdated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Activist Toolkit</a>).\r\n\r\nIt helps that our MGG Lawn &amp; Land Forum forged a path for us to connect and discuss NLC and IPM practices, policies, and strategies with park, school, and grounds managers that normally do not attend the expos and networking events that we do. Since October of 2016, a total of 163 individuals representing x different park districts, x different school districts, and x different lawn care companies have attended one of the forum’s five sessions. Most notably, 66 attended the Forum’s <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">inaugural in-person workshop</a> on November 13<sup>th</sup> of last year.\r\n\r\nAt events like our 11/13 workshop, we have the unique opportunity to monitor how turf policymakers and practitioners view the practicality of NLC and identify the barriers that prevent more NLC practices in our parks, schools, and other public places. The main takeaways from the 11/13 event include:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Focus on feeding the soil with <a href=\"https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/2001/august/what-does-organic-matter-do-in-soil/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organic matter</a>, that feeds beneficial soil microorganisms and biota, that feeds grass roots with cycled nitrogen and other nutrients.</li>\r\n 	<li>Conventional pesticides are often used to <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/athletic-field-maintenance-bulletin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">replace good cultural practices</a> of mowing, fertilization, aeration, etc.</li>\r\n 	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\">Effective IPM/NLC policies and programs</a> often follow a bottom-up meets top-down approach that starts by educating the public and building “up” from there to the park and school district level.</li>\r\n 	<li>Traditional cost valuation methods for lawns place far too much value on the greenness of lawns as opposed to the building block of all healthy plant life, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\">the soil</a>.</li>\r\n 	<li>Managing community expectations during the transition to NLC or IPM requires the combined effort of businesses, advocates, educational institutions, nonprofits, and park and school districts.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWe have 51 more pages of takeaways, best practices, and observations learned during the workshop available on the <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association’s</a> website at <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CmVT1y4Bm7vTh2XTIXY0l002tfYOyE2/view\">bit.ly/LLFwk17</a>. I strongly encourage you to follow our Forum resources page at <a href=\"http://www.ilstma.org/newsletter.aspx\">bit.ly/LLFresources</a> as we continue to add more tools, notes, and recordings to help advance pesticide reduction policies and programs in landscaping.\r\n\r\nWe have another year planned of webinars and workshops that will only reach the “no way” folks with the engagement and work of you; our MGG pledges and community advocates. So please continue <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/mgg-lawn-and-land-forum/\">sharing our forum</a> with your park and school districts and encourage your neighbors to take the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\">With your support</a>, we should have a ground-breaking year for natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping!','From \"no way\" to \"why not?\"','','inherit','closed','closed','','4402-revision-v1','','','2018-01-31 20:38:38','2018-01-31 20:38:38','',4402,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/4402-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),