Candidate joins call for gas

price gouging investigation

State representative candidate Andy Schemenaur Thursday joined Attorney General candidate Linda Pence in her call for an investigation into price gouging by big oil companies. The call for an investigation came as gas prices around Indiana continue to skyrocket.

“Price gouging by big oil companies is a serious issue," Schemenaur said. "The price of oil per barrel has continued to decrease, but Hoosiers are not seeing lower prices at the pump. It is time people get an answer to why the price of gas keeps rising and to ensure that Indiana isn't being gouged while other states pay less.”

Schemenaur called for an investigation into the pricing mechanisms of gasoline in Indiana as average gas

prices Thursday morning remained above $4 per gallon across the Hoosier state.

“In a time when every penny counts and the economy is volatile, Hoosier families need someone asking the

tough questions and making sure that they are being treated in a fair and honest manner,” he said. “I believe the Attorney General's Office should report to the people of Indiana that they are being protected and that big oil companies are not gouging their prices at the pump and hurting Hoosiers.”

Over the summer, Schemenaur called for a suspension of the sales tax on gasoline. He said removing the sales tax would save Hoosier families $400 a year at the pump and more than 24 cents per gallon every time they fill up their tanks. He also called for a continued effort into the investment and development of alternative energies in Indiana, which would create thousands of new jobs and help end dependence on foreign oil.

“Throughout this campaign, I have been discussing issues that are important to Hoosiers and sensible

solutions that would benefit Hoosier families,” he said. “Our gas prices are among the highest in the nation, and there are options we can explore to help provide relief to Hoosier families and workers across our state. It is time to look at all the possible options.”

Schemenaur is a Democrat running for State Representative for District 33, and is campaigning on the

platform of bringing a common sense approach back to the legislature. He said he will represent the needs of

his constituency and do all he can to benefit Hoosiers. A Portland native, Schemenaur is a family farmer, school principal and a long time participant in local politics.

--Bill Richmond