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With gas prices surging, Ohio's US Senators push for new legislation to help curb trends

Average gas prices in Ohio, along with 15 other states have eclipsed $5 per gallon.

CLEVELAND — Elected officials in Ohio have addressed the surge in gas prices, as average prices in the state have eclipsed $5 per gallon.

According to AAA, the state of Ohio has an average of $5.06 for a gallon of gas. The national average is $4.95 per gallon.

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Senator Sherrod Brown released a statement to 3News earlier this week regarding the rise in prices, and what he's working on to address the issue.

"I am working with my colleagues in the Senate to pass legislation that would crack down on Big Oil price gouging by taxing their excess profits and sending a rebate directly to consumers," Senator Brown said. "It would guarantee that Ohioans get money directly back in their pockets if Big Oil continues to rake in record profits."

An expert on the global market believes the constant rise in prices could lead to a recession.

"If it gets meaningful worse then I think we could you know see a fairly significant demand destruction," says co-head of global markets at Citizen's Bank Eric Merlis.

Merlis told 3News that the country's employment level is strong right now, but if it drops, it could be a major factor in a possible recession.

Ohio Senator Rob Portman addressed the rise in gas prices on a call Wednesday and said the country needs more supply.

"It's a matter of more supply, in order to have demand and supply be more on a parity right now," says Portman.

Gas prices have taken a toll on other elements that require fuel like groceries and goods. Merlis told 3News that if the gas prices are sustained, there could potentially be a recession.

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