House Republicans Fight to Curb Rising Gas Prices

By HRO News Network

House GOP Leader Tom Cross has formed the Gas Crisis TaskForce.

"In a little over six months we have seen gas prices jump between 85 cents and a $1 from $1.94 in January to between $2.79 and $3.00 in August. While the root causes of this problem are at the national and even international levels, there are steps we can take at the state level to soften the blow," said Black.

"Just this Monday our gas jumped more than 40 cents in one day," said State Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth). "Every ten cent increase in the price of motor fuel costs the average Illinois family an additional $120 per year. So if this continues imagine the impact on your family's budget."

"Businesses are also feeling the pain and are being forced to scale-back or pass the increased cost along to consumers such as increased cost of delivery of essential goods and services and transportation to and from work," said State Representative Raymond Poe. "Inaction is inexcusable. The state has an obligation to protect consumers and employers alike."

The task force will be holding hearings beginning Thursday, September 8, 2005 in Danville. Other locations tentatively include: Chicago, Effingham, Quincy, Rockford and Springfield.

The purpose behind the hearings is to discuss options for easing the devastating impact of higher gas prices. The task force expects to discuss among other things state motor fuel and sales tax revenues and the possibility of calling for a moratorium; boosting alternative fuels such as Illinois grown ethanol and bio-diesel fuel; and rolling back harmful fees on Illinois' beleaguered trucking industry. The task force will also be discuss the need for additional refineries in Illinois and examine the multiple, regional formulations for gasoline that hampers supply sharing from region to region.

"Soaring gas prices have added to the list of factors forcing truck operators to leave Illinois," said State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg). "While gas prices are high everywhere, the price paid at the pump is cheaper in Kentucky and Missouri because they charge less tax. Compound higher gas prices with the harmful Commercial Distribution fees Illinois truckers face and it is no wonder they are leaving Illinois in droves."

"Our task force hearings will allow us to discuss all options and ideas with local consumers, business owners, and others who are struggling with the skyrocketing gas prices," said Black. "We hope everyone interested will attend and give us their thoughts so we can develop a relief plan that we can work to pass in our fall veto session in October."

Other members of the task force include: Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), Rich Brauer (R-Petersburg), David Reis (R-Ste. Marie), Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica), Ed Sullivan Jr. (R-Mundelein), Art Tenhouse (R-Quincy), Ron Stephens (R-Greenville), Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), Rich Myers (R-Colchester), Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley), Randy Hultgren (R-Winfield), Dave Winters (R-Shirland), Shane Cultra (R-Onarga), Jim Meyer (R-Naperville) and Randy Ramey (St. Charles).