ECONOMY - Gas Price Ripple Effect, State Level

Here are excerpts from two articles that demonstrate the ripple effect of the high price of gas at the state government level.

"Legislation Needed to Protect School Districts from High Fuel Costs" by Rep. Jerry McNerney (Calif D), The Hill

Schools, just like families and businesses across the country, are being squeezed by high gas prices. That’s why yesterday, along with my colleague Rep. Zack Space (OH-18), I introduced legislation to address the impact high gas prices have on the ability of school districts to transport our children to and from school.

More and more, the astronomical cost of diesel fuel for school buses has cut into school budgets, forcing school districts to reduce service, start charging or increase fees for bus service, or cut back on other programs.

In my district, some schools are facing a 40 percent increase in their fuel budgets over last year. In order to cope with that increased cost, some districts have reduced the amount of time bus drivers are permitted to wait for a child. One district has increased by 35 percent the fee it already charges parents for their children to ride the bus to school. And districts several are facing potential service cuts, especially in rural areas where buses travel lengthy routes and are already packed with students.

"Gas prices hit MT Highway Patrol" Montana's News Station

Rising fuel prices are forcing first responders to look for new ways to save money and gas.

The Montana Highway Patrol says in the last few years they have been getting rid of their V-8 Ford Crown Victoria cruisers and replacing them with V-6 Chevy Impalas to save on gas.

MHP officials say that they're looking at what other state patrol agencies around the country are doing in an effort to get new ideas for fuel saving strategies.

Last year the Missoula Highway Patrol District drove just over 640,000 miles and officials say that while the smaller cars are good for gas mileage, they make it more difficult to fit in all the equipment need for patrol duties.

And McBush's only answer is to open more off-shore drilling, even though the "extra" oil will not be available for 7 to 10yrs by oil company estimates.