[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12621]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         THE LOW INCOME GASOLINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a bill 
I have just introduced, the Low Income Gasoline Assistance Program Act 
of 2001.
  Let me begin my remarks by thanking the original sponsor of this 
legislation, Senator John Rockefeller, who in introducing this bill is 
attempting to address a very serious problem throughout our country. I 
also want to thank the original House cosponsors who have joined in 
this effort.
  We all know the problem: skyrocketing gasoline prices have taken 
their toll on pocketbooks in a severe way. Gas station managers around 
New Mexico--and other parts of the country--say drivers are filling up 
their tanks and driving off without paying. Some say they have never 
seen it so bad, and it has forced them to change how things are done at 
the pump. A number of stations are now requiring customers to pay first 
because of so much lost revenue.
  A common recommendation that we often hear when gas prices go up is 
for people to drive less. Walk, bike, or take public transit when you 
can. While I agree with that, unfortunately, that only goes so far, 
especially if you have no choice but to commute to work, to the doctor, 
or to school because public transportation is not available in your 
area. This is especially true for those who live in rural areas. These 
citizens have no other choice but to pay these prices in order to live 
their lives. This legislation attempts to address the problems that 
underprivileged citizens face in rural America with regard to the high 
cost of gasoline.
  Our proposal is relatively simple. The current high price of gasoline 
is hurting people throughout the country. And perhaps no group is being 
hit harder than seniors and the working poor, especially in rural areas 
and places with inadequate public transportation. With experts 
predicting regular unleaded gasoline prices in excess of $2.00 a gallon 
for much of the country this summer, I believe it is our responsibility 
to provide some immediate, short-term assistance for our most needy 
citizens.
  The Low Income Gasoline Assistance Program Act of 2001 or LIGAP, is 
modeled on the successful LIHEAP program that helps seniors and the 
disadvantaged pay for heating oil in the winter and air conditioning in 
the summer. Under this program, recipients would receive $25 to $75 per 
month for three months, as long as gasoline prices stay high where they 
live. If the price of gasoline does not fall back below the price at 
which the program triggers off, recipients would be allowed to re-apply 
for three additional months' benefit.
  LIGAP will allow states to make grants to low- and fixed-income 
individuals and families to defray the cost of purchasing gasoline for 
travel to work, to school, or to regular healthcare appointments when 
the price of gasoline reaches or exceeds the unmanageable current 
levels. States will make LIGAP grants to income-eligible families who 
meet the distance requirements of driving at least 30 miles a day, or 
150 miles per week for work, school, or medical care appointments. 
States are also encouraged to use their welfare reform block grant to 
provide transportation stipends to parents who meet the same distance 
standards.
  This measure will enable states to operate the program through their 
Community Action agencies or welfare departments. Thus, states will 
have the flexibility to set income-eligibility standards similar to the 
current eligibility for LIHEAP. The prices at which the program 
triggers on and subsequently releases will then be set for each 
jurisdiction through consultation between the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services and the Secretary of Energy.
  LIGAP is not meant to be a substitute for the long-term energy 
solutions we all seek for our nation. Each of us understands the 
necessity of a comprehensive and balanced approach to energy 
development, but we must realize that in every state there are hard-
working people and elderly individuals whose monthly budgets are being 
stretched to the breaking point by the cost of gasoline. While we must 
approach this country's energy demand with the willingness to make the 
tough, long-range choices demanded of us, it is equally important that 
we heed the immediate damage being caused by the current high prices. 
We must show a willingness to provide some comfort for those Americans 
who are most at risk.
  Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that people are suffering and that 
something must be done to help with the high cost of gasoline. I urge 
my colleagues to join us in this proposal that is both forward thinking 
and comprehensive.

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