Lyons Announces Special Session To Reduce Gas Prices

For Immediate Release                                                     June 21, 2000

La Grange... State Representative Eileen Lyons (R-La Grange) announced the convening of a Special Session of the Illinois General Assembly to address the rising cost of gasoline prices. 

"Illinois is the leader in gas prices around the country, and I think we need to figure out why," said Lyons.  "There are many different ideas about why the prices are so high here, however, no definite answers have been given.  It is time to hold hearings, we've called the Special Session and we can get some answers."

Republicans have proposed legislation to eliminate the state's portion of the sales tax on gasoline, which could save drivers in Illinois almost $300 million annually.  Lyons also wants hearings held to determine exactly why Illinois' gas prices are so high compared to the erst of the country.

"Eliminating the state portion of the sales tax on gasoline is the first step in lowering these outrageous gas prices," said Lyons.

The Special Session will take place on Thursday, June 29th at 9am in Springfield.  It will be held one day after State Representative Bill O'Connor will hold a Gas Tax Task Force hearing at the North Riverside Village Commons on Wednesday June 28th.  O'Connor has invited local officials, gas station owners, representatives from the Petroleum Distributors, the Petroleum Marketers Association, the Illinois Dept. of Transportation and the Midwest Truckers Association to testify at the hearing.

"The hearings being held across the state will help give us an idea of why prices are so high right now and what we can do about it," said Lyons.  "The timing of the hearing is perfect; we will be able to take into the Special Session everything from the day before."

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