Cornyn's Choice: Stand Up for Texas Families or Continue to Side with Special Interests

[courtesy of Blog for America]

(Press release from Rick Noriega's website)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Holly Shulman (713) 857-9637                                          
Resha Thomas (713) 621-7425
DATE: June 3, 2008                                                          

Houston, TX – Gas prices remain at record levels at a time when Americans are struggling to pay for groceries and racking up record credit card debt. Today Texas gas prices hit the highest prices ever seen in the state, averaging $3.85 for a gallon of regular gas and the national average also hit the highest price on record, averaging $3.978.  [AAA Fuel Gauge report, 6/3/08] Yet, Senator John Cornyn has refused to take real action to help Texas families. Melissa Noriega, wife of U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega, is one of several supporters who are "filling Rick's boots" while he is on active duty with the Texas Army National Guard this week. She previously filled in for her husband in the Texas State House while he was serving Afghanistan.

The Climate Security Act under consideration in the Senate this week provides real solutions to the short term and long term problems facing Texas families. It will boost the economy by providing immediate tax relief to consumers struggling with high gas prices and by creating millions of good jobs. It will strengthen America's security by reducing dependence on foreign oil and the nations that export it. And it will restore America as a leading innovator in energy technology, putting the country on a path for cleaner, healthier future.

"Texas is well positioned to lead in innovative alternative energies – we've already emerged as a leader in wind energy," said Melissa Noriega.  "It's time for a Texas Senator who will break with old style politics and instead stand for policies that will help Texas families now and our future generations. My husband Rick Noriega will do just that."

Oil prices have quadrupled and gas prices have more than doubled during Senator Cornyn's time in the Senate. The impact of the increased gas prices is making headlines today with the announcement from General Motors that increased gas prices would force the closure of American auto plants, affecting thousands of workers. And Texas Prison Guards in rural counties testified recently before the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice that they cannot afford to drive to work.

"Today John Cornyn said that he is hearing from Texans about the high gas prices they are facing at the pump. John Cornyn has a choice:  help Texas families by voting for the Climate Security Act which includes $800 billion in tax relief to help consumers afford increasing energy costs or stand idly by as Texas families struggle to pay at the pump," said Tony Gray, of the Rick Noriega for Senate campaign.

"Time and time again John Cornyn has failed to stand up for Texas families, instead caving to pressure from corporate special interests looking to line their pockets. Texas families deserve better. Instead of looking out for his buddies in the Big Oil and Gas industry who have donated more to Cornyn than almost any other Senator, it's time Texas families had a real advocate for them in the U.S. Senate," added Gray.