Story originally printed in the Tomah Journal or online at www.tomahjournal.com
Published - Friday, June 13, 2008
Gas prices weigh high on Feingold's constituents
Oil and gas prices were a main concern for several people who attended U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold’s Monroe County Listening Session at the Western Technical College Tomah Campus on Sunday.
The Democrat from Middleton told the crowd of roughly 25 people that while the issue of gas prices is serious, he does not see restrictions on speed in the country’s future.
“I remember restrictions on speed and the use of oil,” Feingold said. “I got a bad taste in my mouth from it. People didn’t like it and it wasn’t really enforced.”
Feingold also fielded a question about the recent oil company hearings in the U.S. Congress. He said that he asked the oil company CEOs tough questions, and that he plans to continue looking into the matter.
“I questioned them about (the millions of) acres that they own and can’t do anything with and they sat and said nothing,” Feingold said. “I hit them pretty hard on that, and I am going to follow up on it.”
Feingold also heard constituent concerns concerning work conditions, student loans, the budget deficit and the G.I. Bill. Feingold said that he and many of his fellow Democrats consider the new G.I. Bill, that would make more money available for veterans to attend college, a priority. He also spoke openly of his concern for student loan availability.
“It is an extremely valid concern,” Feingold said of potential students not attending college because of a lack of funds. “When I was in college, somehow it was taken care of. People didn’t not go to college because they couldn’t pay in my day. I think the new administration, especially (Barack) Obama will do more for this. Kids should not have to take on a tremendous amount of loans to start their life.”
A release from Feingold’s staff concerning his listening session also stated that the Senator is leading efforts to ensure veterans and service members receive better support, including calling for the U.S. Army to address deplorable conditions at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and passing a measure in the U.S. Senate to eliminate cell phone fees for troops deployed overseas.
He is also pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to properly track how many veterans commit suicide, and has introduced legislation to ensure all veterans are aware of their benefits.
All stories copyright 2006 Tomah Journal and other attributed sources.