Gov. Doyle: Calls on Legislature to Complete Action on Anti-Gas Gouging Legislation

Contacts: Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Action Needed Before Legislature Adjourns Tomorrow

Governor Jim Doyle today urged members of the Legislature to finish work on important anti-gas gouging legislation before adjourning tomorrow. Earlier today, the Senate passed an anti-gouging law, but in a different form than what the Assembly passed last week. Unless the two houses can agree by tomorrow, consumers will face a long summer with no law against gas gouging.

“It’s time for legislators to resolve their differences on this bill and get something to my desk,” Governor Doyle said. “Our citizens are being squeezed by high gas prices, and they have a right to expect action from the Legislature. We need to send a message to the big oil companies that they can’t simply raise prices 40 or 50 cents overnight for no reason.”

Governor Doyle has repeatedly called on the Legislature to pass anti-gouging legislation. The Senate today passed SB 358, sponsored by Senators Neal Kedzie and Dale Schultz, which gives the Governor authority to declare a state of emergency during which no price gouging can occur. The Assembly last week passed AB 786 sponsored by Representative Josh Zepnick and Senator Dave Hansen which gives the state Attorney General authority to investigate instances of price gouging.