Gas prices threaten minimum wage worker's budgets
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — Gas prices jumped another seven cents overnight in Kalamazoo County.
On Tuesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $5.12. That's right below the state average at $5.17
People across Kalamazoo County said they are re-thinking their day-to-day and their budgeting.
"When I do go out I try to take care of a variety of things on one side of town and I don't go on the other side of town and do something," said Ronald Peterson.
The price for gas is more than half what a minimum wage job pays in an hour in Michigan: $9.87.
That means someone working an eight hour day minimum wage job, then filling up a 13-gallon tank, only pockets about $12.00 before taxes.
"We're just like going a little bit at a time, just like oh we'll put in ten dollars here and there because it's just insane to see that total. It's crazy," said Iman Siddiqui.
The Attorney General's press secretary said the department has received about 150 complaints related to gas prices since the start of the year. So far the AG's office hasn't found any of those complaints to be price gouging, but some investigations are still underway.
The office is encouraging people to report what they think could be price gouging at the pump.
"It is helpful if consumers tell us the kind of gas involved, the date of the purchase or observation, and provide evidence of the pricing—such as a receipt or sign photo. This kind of information helps us more quickly understand the complaint and to determine next steps," the press secretary said in statement to News Channel 3 said.
