New Name, Same Game: Trailer Bill to SB1652 Still Bad News For Consumers

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Oct 24, 2011, 05:33 ET

AARP Urges Legislators to Vote No on SB1652 and Trailer Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo:

House Bill 3036, introduced today in Springfield as a 'trailer bill' to Senate Bill 1652, is ComEd and Ameren's latest attempt at misleading consumers. In reality, its cosmetic changes do nothing to address the fundamental problems of the bill. HB3036 is a new name but the same game, and it is still bad news for Illinois consumers.

The trailer bill still locks in huge corporate profits for ComEd and Ameren while taking the Illinois Commerce Commission and consumers out of the ratemaking process. HB3036 also will result in annual rate increases for consumers. The so-called 'fund to help low-income, elderly and veteran ratepayers' does not in any way address the challenges all ratepayers are facing in the current economy, nor the impact higher rates will have on their wallets.

AARP's statewide phone survey, released yesterday, sent a clear message to the General Assembly: 52% of consumers will not vote for a candidate that allows utility companies to raise rates annually. Illinois citizens will hold their elected officials accountable on this issue when it comes to the next election.

Tomorrow, AARP members along with countless advocacy and community organizations will rally outside the Capitol and visit legislators, urging them to Vote No on SB 1652, Vote No on HB 3036, and stand up for Illinois consumers.

SOURCE AARP Illinois