(Host) Congressman Peter Welch is calling on the federal government to eliminate ethanol subsidies.
At a Lake Bomoseen marina this morning Welch said the subsidies cost taxpayers $6 billion annually, drive up food prices and cause damage to small engines used for boats, lawnmowers and motorcycles.
Welch says it doesn’t make sense for taxpayers to keep subsidizing a mature and profitable industry while at the same time Congressional leaders are considering cuts to fuel assistance, students loans and Medicare.
Welch has co-sponsored a bill to end ethanol subsidies and has written to House Speaker John Boehner asking him to allow a vote on the issue.