House Speaker Glenn Richardson is fighting high gas prices by telling state staffers to work from home.

Richardson (R-Hiram), sent a memo to state House staffers Friday announcing a trial teleworking schedule over the summer. The House's 120 secretaries, researchers and other staffers will work one day a week from home to save fuel.

"I have watched over the last several months as gas prices have continued to rise, especially so in recent weeks," he said in a release. "With no relief in sight, I have proposed a plan to allow all staff members in the House of Representatives to conserve gas.

"By spending one day out of a five-day work week at home, each individual can save at least 20 percent on the cost of fuel."

Richardson also urged other state agencies to consider implementing such a plan.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has pushed for more telecommuting by the state's more than 100,000 state workers for years. He signed legislation in 2006 giving income tax breaks to employers who encourage teleworking.

Governor's office reports suggest thousands of state employees telework at various times during the year. A state agency report said those employees saved 4.5 million miles of driving through teleworking and other scheduling changes in March.