Rally for Energy Independence for Georgia and America

A Rally for Energy Independence for Georgia took place Wednesday at the State Capitol and Johns Creek resident Ashley Widener played an integral role in its success, calling on government systems to find alternative energy solutions.

“We are at a pivotal crossroads in our society regarding energy. It is not the first time Georgians have been faced with an energy crisis, but I ask our leaders in Washington to insure that this will be the last. Our children’s future is at stake,” Widener said.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle highlighted what the state is working on to invest in alternative energy sources and initiatives, and in making Georgia increasingly energy independent.

The event included appearances by the Department of Economic Development Commissioner Ken Stewart and State Reps. Jeff Lewis, chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.

As partners in energy conservation, Ford and GM displayed several of their hybrid vehicles during the Rally, where attendees can learn more about the use of alternative fuel cars and trucks. Entertainment will be provided by a musical band singing American classics.

Widener said this time last year diesel fuel was $2.46 per gallon compared to the $4 per gallon prices of today’s marketplace.

“Schools across Georgia can only do so much to reduce spending before it drastically affects learning in the classroom. I know that our school’s transportation departments do not want to cut services to our children, but if this continues our buses will be forced to make fewer neighborhood stops, decrease in the number of routes our buses may run, and cancel field trips and transportation to/from athletic events,” Widener said.

She said the food services department in schools face increased food prices due to fuel, corn and energy price increases.

“The first and obvious changes to alleviate the situation will be to serve lower cost food items. After that change, our schools will face an indirect tax increase of raising meal prices. Many families across Georgia are already struggling to provide proper nutrition for their families at home and now it may be a reality that the cost of nutrition for their children at school will rise, as well. Have you purchased a gallon of milk lately?” Widener said.

“Our families are relying on their elected leadership to represent their needs. Our schools are doing a wonderful job with managing their resources. But folks, they can only do so much before prices become a huge factor. Schools can only cut so many services before they begin balancing their budgets on the backs of taxpayers. It’s not just fuel, groceries and energy prices that are rising. Soon, taxes will have to rise as well,” she said.

“Let me make one thing very clear. I do not support raising taxes and balancing this energy crisis on the back of our families and taxpayers. We need to solve our energy crisis first,” she said.

“In Georgia, we need our tax dollars flowing directly into classrooms and into the future of our state/country rather than into the pockets of foreign oil producing countries. We need to educate our children with our taxes. It is time that our elected officials make choices that will benefit the future. Not my future or your future, but the future of our children, grand children and many generations to come,” Widener said.