Seeking to help ease the burden of increased prices at the pump, U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, on Wednesday unveiled a bill that would temporarily suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline."The economic impact of (Hurricane) Katrina now looms over us as we move toward recovery. As gas and other oil distillate prices spiral out of control, this natural disaster is threatening to become a national economic disaster," said English, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax issues."By taking a temporary holiday from the federal gasoline tax, Congress can help alleviate the financial pain caused by this short-term energy crisis and help put money back into America's working families' pockets."U.S. Rep.

John Shadegg, R-Ariz., House Republican policy chairman, joined English in drafting the proposed Gas Tax Relief Act.The measure would suspend the 18.4-cent federal excise tax on gasoline for 30 days. Currently, proceeds from the federal gasoline tax go into the Highway Trust Fund, which is dedicated to highway programs.English noted that to maintain the necessary funds for these programs, the lost revenue caused by the temporary suspension would be replenished by funds from the general revenue.State Rep.

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, will host a legislative booth at the Evans City Oktoberfest on Sept. 17. The event will be held on the borough on Main and Jackson streets and Wahl Avenue.Metcalfe's booth on Main Street near the district judge office will feature state-related pamphlets, brochures and other materials. Staff members will also be available to answer questions.An audit of the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School covering funding for the June 30, 2003, through June. 30, 2004, found the school spent its state aid in compliance with Pennsylvania laws and regulations.The office of state Auditor General

Jack Wagner conducted the audit and released its finding on Wednesday.