Letters to the "editor"

I've received some feedback from the two most recent newsletters I've sent regarding the severance tax. Just thought others across the state would be interested in knowing what some are saying:

• [I can agree] on a natural gas tax increase, if it is used to offset other areas (especially food tax) for people who can not afford the increases. However, on the other hand if it is just going to be another "tax, upon tax" plan, I wouldn't personally support it. My gas bill this month was just a little over $219.00. I know there are people who have trouble with gas bills already and I run our house at 69 degrees during the time we are here and 62 degrees when we are all gone. I've spoken to a few other people who have had problems paying Center Point bills in the area also (many are on the Texas side though).

• so long as it doesn't go overboard. I don't think the gas bills on the Texas-side are any higher than ours, and they have a huge tax on the extraction of natural gas.

• From what I read, the companies are getting a say in any increase. That means that they'll agree to just enough to keep Nelson from taking this thing to the people. Is the Legislature going to rubber stamp this agreement?