Gas prices

Economists and politicians are joining consumers in keeping a wary eye on the price of gas that has now reached a nationwide average of about $3.57 for a gallon of regular gas.

In California, the average price has already gone over $4 with prediction of $5 a gallon in the next two or three months.

William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the Naitonal Federation of Independent Businesses, says that every $1 a gallon hike at the pump takes an extra $20 million out of the pockets of consumers and businesses every day.

For consumers, that $20 a week they just got from the payroll tax cut will help fill up their gas tanks.