Begich asks Alaskans to help document fuel prices

May 4th 4:42 pm | Alaska Newspapers Staff

Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, is asking his constituents statewide to help tell Congress - with photos- how much they are paying for gas at the pump.

"The rest of the country doesn't understand what gas prices are like in Alaska, and Congress continues to stall when it comes to passing a real energy plan," Begich said May 4. "So I'm asking Alaskans to help me tell the story.

"No matter what time of year it is, Alaska's cities pay more for fuel than just about anywhere in the Lower 48 and rural Alaska pays some of the highest costs in the country year-round. It's time to tackle this problem."

Begich's online effort coincides with his proposal of the Family Account to Save on Transportation (FAST) Act. The bill would provide relief from high pas prices for two years, by allowing consumers to set aside pre-tax dollars from their paycheck to spend on gas, much like a medical savings account.

The Alaska Democrat is inviting residents to email their photos to gasprices@begich.senate.gov; post them on the Senator Begich'sFacebook wall, or tweet photos to @SenatorBegich.

Alaska Newspapers Staff can be reached at editor@alaskanewspapers.com, or by phone at 907-348-2449

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