The economy is generally slowing for a wide variety of reasons -- energy is one, but also the stimulus is wearing off.

Clearly the economy had a good head of steam on it right through the hurricane period.

We have an economy that has shown signs of slowing. With energy prices at extremely high levels -- and now moving above those levels -- this is kind of a double whammy,

Even before the hurricane hit, rising energy prices were having a dampening effect on the economy,

it's somewhat surprising how resilient the economy has been, despite higher energy prices.

Rising energy costs not only threaten our economy and our state's competitiveness but also greatly impact the pockets of Rhode Islanders, especially those on fixed incomes. Everyone is feeling the pinch. It?s imperative that we take action now to bring costs down.