Hagan Campaign: Granville County Democrats and Republicans Right: Congress Needs To Act Now To Help Working Families
July 22, 2008
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Granville County Democratic and Republican Parties issued a joint letter today, calling on Congress to remain in session until they address the rising cost of gasoline. State Senator and U.S. Senate Nominee Kay Hagan’s (D-Guilford) U.S. Senate campaign agreed with the parties, questioning why it’s taken Congress so long to act to begin with.
“It’s clear from this letter written by both Granville Democrats and Republicans that the exorbitantly high price of gas is an issue that is impacting all North Carolinians very deeply,” said Hagan Communications Director Colleen Flanagan. “Rather than suggesting comical ‘bipartisan’ summits in the future, Elizabeth Dole should have gotten started on providing relief to consumers and directing our country toward a sensible energy plan five years ago. Gas was $1.52 per gallon when Elizabeth Dole took office, and the price didn’t shoot up 270% overnight. For the past five years, Elizabeth Dole has voted in favor of tax incentives for Big Oil and Gas, and against investments in renewable energy. Gas prices are high because special interests like the big oil companies have too much power and Elizabeth Dole handed it to them.”
“This week, Congress is considering legislation that would crack down on oil speculation which is artificially driving up the price of oil. Congress needs to pass – and the President needs to sign – this important piece of legislation that sends a message to anyone hoping to profit from this very trying time for many Americans,” Flanagan said. “But Congress must also strip the $17 billion in tax subsidies Big Oil and Gas have been receiving under George Bush and Elizabeth Dole and finally make substantial investments in renewable energy, as well. Working families shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill when Big Oil and Gas are reaping record profits.”
“Granville County elected officials know all too well the strain working families are feeling at the pump when they are forced to pay upwards of $4.10 per gallon for gas,” said Creedmoor Mayor Darryl Moss. “Kay knows this too, and has been talking to folks about what can be done to lower gas prices in the short term and invest in a sensible energy policy in the long-term. Kay’s kind of experience – the ability to work across the aisle to get things done for people in North Carolina – is exactly what we need in Washington.”
The letter, which was sent to every member of North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation, reads: “Mindful that in times of major emergency or danger, members of the military, the emergency services and key administrative officials and staff are required to postpone periods of leave and stand-to so as to address the matter at hand, we call upon the leadership of the US Senate and The US House of Representatives to order the current session to continue through the upcoming August recess. Further, we request and require that members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation, both Republican and Democrat, come together and remain at work until this issue is resolved.”
Knowing first-hand the importance of providing relief to high gas prices, Kay cosponsored legislation in the state Senate that successfully capped the gas tax. To control prices in the short term, Kay has supported halting deposits in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, pressuring OPEC nations to increase supply, and cracking down on oil speculators driving up prices.
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