Chicago,
IL – Those economic stimulus checks sent out recently will run out of
gas for average Illinois families by the end of this week, according to
a report from the Illinois Public Interest Research Group.
Researcher Emily Miller reports families have spent $1,500 filling
their fuel tanks since the stimulus program was signed into law in
February. She says the promise that the money would stay in local
economies hasn't come true.
"The money has not been pumped back into the economy in the way it was hoped. Instead, it's been pumped back into Big Oil."
The IPIRG report calls for more investment in public
transportation to help Illinois residents keep rising gas prices from
taking such a big chunk out of their monthly budgets.
Miller notes that as gas prices have risen, people have relied more on
public transportation, and transit agencies have had a tough time
keeping up. She believes projects like the expansion of the Red Line
urban rail system in Chicago need a kick start.
"High gas prices will continue to hold consumers hostage until
lawmakers implement long-term solutions that reduce our reliance on
oil."
Critics of the report contend that economic stimulus money is being
used for more than gasoline, and families would have spent about $1,000
on fuel during that time frame even if prices had stayed the same.
The IPIRG's report is online at www.illinoispirg.org.
Deborah Smith/Don Mathisen, Public News Service - IL
Report-Economic-Stimulus-Runs-Out-of-Gas-in-IL-This-Week.mp3