MADISON, Wis. -- As reported in CSP Daily News last week, three Republican state lawmakers in Wisconsin proposed a gasoline tax holiday for the rest of the year that would cut pump prices by 15 cents a gallon and save the Badger State $170.3 million. Other state lawmakers are asking Governor Jim Doyle (D) to convene a special session of the legislature to pass their proposal. A Doyle spokesperson said the governor advocates repealing Wisconsin's minimum markup law on gasoline as one way to cut pump costs.
Now Joe Wineke, chair of the Democratic Party [image-nocss] of Wisconsin, said that President Bush and Republicans in Washington have done nothing to provide relief to ordinary Americans.
Wineke issued the following statement last Friday:
The only thing rising faster than the prices we pay at the pump are the oil companies' profits. Wisconsin drivers are paying more for gas than ever before, but the Bush Administration is doing nothing about it. Because of President Bush's failed leadership, gas prices have risen 75% nationwide since he took office. Here in Wisconsin, gasoline now costs $2.67 per gallon, up 68 cents in the last six months alone.
While hardworking Wisconsin families are struggling to fill up their cars so they can enjoy a vacation up north or in the Dells for a few days, President Bush jets off on Air Force One to his ranch in Texas for a five-week vacation. Every time Wisconsin families fill up at the gas station, they should remember that President Bush broke the promise he made in 2000 to reduce the cost of gas.
It is time for President Bush and the Republicans in Washington to get in the driver's seat and steer us toward a real solution to the gas price crises.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.