Even though the moratorium ends, energy assistance runs through May 31, or until we run out of money.

I have grown up alone. I've taken care of myself. I worked, earned money and was independent at 18.

There are other systems that could provide a similar benefit for less money per mile.

I hate those charges … It would be better to use the money help people fix their teeth.

These are just some efficient ways without spending a lot of taxpayer money [to reduce energy costs ]. But if you get $ 3 [a gallon ] gasoline, people may say, 'I don't know if I want to live in Benton and drive to work in Little Rock. I may live in Little Rock.' But it's really hard. You're talking about people's lifestyles. It probably will happen gradually.

[The rise in energy costs caused by Katrina is] going to start taking money out of people's pockets that they would have spent on something else, ... Look for the (impact) in the earnings of discount retailers, restaurants, and travel sectors - start to look for GDP to be impacted.