On May 1, 2006, when gas prices topped $3 per gallon, I launched a petition urging the President and Congress to take action to the lower sky-rocketing cost of gasoline. 

Over 106,000 citizens signed on, sending a clear message to Washington and to the boardrooms of big oil that these excessive profits have got to stop.  Regular people need real relief and the way to do it is to cap the outrageous profits of oil companies, repeal these tax subsidies, and promote real competition.

Hardworking middle-class families across Wisconsin are being squeezed at the pump, while big oil companies are reaping billions in record-setting profits.  The average family is paying 72 cents more per gallon for unleaded gasoline than they were a year ago at this time.  In fact, oil company profits have skyrocketed nearly 200 percent since President Bush's inauguration in January 2001, while family incomes have increased by 14 percent.

We have done a lot in Wisconsin to lower the cost of gas and make life more affordable in Wisconsin.  We've ended the state's automatic gas tax increase, fought the minimum markup law on gasoline, and worked hard to increase use of ethanol throughout our state. 

Thank you to the thousands of you who made your voices heard.  Please feel free to contact my office for the latest on what we are doing to lower these ridiculous gas prices and give real relief to regular families.