FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                    April 20, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, IL-- The following is a statement from State Senator Chris Lauzen (R- Aurora) on the Senate's actions regarding a vote to add Commonwealth Edison to legislation that would have frozen their customer's utility rates for one year.

Senator Lauzen spoke and voted in favor of the rate relief. The following are his remarks made during Senate floor debate:  

"Despite a clear majority vote (33-24-0-2), Senate President Emil Jones and his assistant majority leader, Ricky 'Hollywood' Hendon refused to include an amendment to SB1592 that would have included Commonwealth Edison ratepayers in this relief legislation."

"I would like to state for the record for my constituents back home that today the Democrat Senate leadership has frustrated the will of this Senate Majority and has maneuvered a premeditated parliamentary scheme that will cost every utility-paying constituent in Commonwealth Edison territory more of their hard-earned money.  Please remember that 33 out of 59 senators, a clear majority of the State Senate, voted to include ComEd ratepayers.  But, that will of the people was over-ruled by the powerful few who have Illinois state government controlled in their clenched fist."

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