HOUSE REPUBLICANS ATTEMPT TO FREEZE GAS TAX INCREASE

(RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA) --- As gas prices continue to dramatically increase across the state, House Republicans attempted to offer some relief to consumers, only to be blocked by Democratic leaders.

For the second week in a row, Republican Members attempted to offer an amendment on the House floor to suspend, for one year, a variable gasoline tax increase which would add one cent to the cost of a gallon of gasoline next month. The amendment, offered by Representative Michael Decker (Forsyth), would have also frozen an additional gasoline tax scheduled to take effect January 1, 2001.

Unfortunately, each time the tax freezing measure was brought to the House floor, Democrats stalled and shuffled the amendment back to committee with procedural moves to avoid voting on the issue. "It seems obvious that the Democratic leadership is not interested in decreasing the burden of high gas prices effecting North Carolina consumers," Rep. Clary stated. "Democrats indicate that one or two cents really does not make a big difference to consumers. Well, they should talk to organizations like 'Meals on Wheels' or healthcare providers who must travel to care for seniors or people who can't leave their homes. It makes a difference to them!"

In a press conference held immediately after the House adjourned, House Republicans filled the General Assembly Press Conference Room to discuss the gas tax issue and answer questions from reporters. House Republican Leader, Richard T. Morgan (Moore) indicated that this issue would not be going away and challenged House Democratic leaders to allow the issue on the House floor and at least grant the opportunity to debate the issue.