State Sen. Rick Jones on Thursday called for new gasoline refinery construction in Michigan. Gasoline representatives have told media sources that Michigan gas prices are high because two refineries are down for maintenance and others are out of commission with other problems.

“Michiganders are suffering under some of the highest gas prices in the nation,” said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “It is also important to keep prices down for our tourism industry. Gasoline companies blame the high price on refineries being down for various reasons.

“Today I’m calling for new refinery construction to supply Michigan with gasoline. I’m in the process of drafting a bill to give a company a ten year property tax credit to encourage this construction. I also will work hard to make sure they get permits in a timely fashion.”

In the past, Sen Jones has taken a stand against higher gas taxes in Michigan.