Council Member Epstein on Intro 999: testing sites and digital map

Thank you, Councilmember.

And now we'll go to Councilmember Epstein for a brief statement on his introduction.

Thank you, Chair Shulman, and thank you, Speaker Menon, for hosting this hearing today.

This is a really important conversation.

As the Speaker mentioned earlier, my district, Haven Plaza, is found to have a Legionella bacteria outbreak in their water supply.

And tenants for months were confused, misinformation.

Information was submitted in writing.

Oral information was contradictory.

It really is a core function of city government to protect New Yorkers and from public health threats just as Legionnaires here.

Today is a real opportunity for us to learn about what we can do better as the city faces challenges like this one.

We know this is not the first time, and unfortunately this is not the last time, where we'll see the loss of life.

As the Speaker mentioned earlier, the loss of 11 people in her and Councilmember Maloney's district is such a tragedy that we as New Yorkers shouldn't have to face again.

My bill 999 addresses the challenge my constituents face around having access to testing.

When learning about the outbreak, many wanted to get tested.

However, they were given fragmented and misinformation and confusing information about whether they were qualified for testing or where they could get tested.

The bill package across the board really establishes a procedure and process to ensure that the Department of Health ensures that hoses can be provided, testing can be provided, information can be provided.

This is particularly important for adults with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and people who had to struggle long distances to get information.

Getting information is really important for people.

Getting information about testing sites and Legionnaires is critical.

It is important for the council to hear directly from the administration how we can improve on what happened this year.

So when New Yorkers get exposed to Legionnaires in the future, they'll have the resources they need to be able to fight back.

I look forward to hearing from the administration about

what we can do better to affect the lives of impacted New Yorkers, to make sure there are hoses and testing and information, and making sure those cooling towers get tested on a regular basis to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

I want to thank the chair and the speaker again.

I look forward to hearing about all the packages of the bills and looking forward to the passage of these important bills.