Insurance
Pay-As-You Drive Gaining Steam
You may qualify for auto insurance premium reduction, according to a consumer group that wants insurers to do even more when it…
Jan 28, 2009Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Insurance
Commissioner Poizner’s cuts will weaken oversight of insurers
As the regulator of a financial services industry that affects so many individuals and businesses directly at the pocketbook level, the public…
Jan 28, 2009
In The News
Stem cell agency’s funny money
Noting that the board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has approved 253 research grants totaling...
Jan 28, 2009
Privacy
White House camouflages ties to Google
The White House webmaster apparently is hearing concerns from privacy advocates about exemptions from federal rules for Google's YouTube video service, but…
Jan 27, 2009CA Auto Companies Receive Failing Grades in “Pay As You Drive” Insurance Scorecard
California's first-in-the-nation requirement that mileage be considered in annual premiums will benefit the environment, says NRDC SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 27, 2009)…
Jan 27, 2009
Insurance
Auto Insurance Report Card Released
Click here to view the TV news clip of this story. It seems simple enough. The fewer miles you drive, the less…
Jan 27, 2009
Privacy
No Pink Slips for Bailed-Out Bank Execs
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- They've been bailed out, but not kicked out. At banks that are receiving federal bailout money nearly nine out…
Jan 27, 2009Consumer Watchdog Calls on Google to Cease Lobbying Effort to Allow Sale of Patient Medical Records; Urges Congress to Adopt Privacy Protections in Economic Stimulus Bill
Santa Monica, CA -- The non-partisan Consumer Watchdog called on Google today to cease a rumored lobbying effort aimed at allowing the…
Jan 27, 2009
Privacy
What happened to stem cell agency’s $400K grant for an international meeting?
Back in December leaders of California's stem cell agency were in a big rush to push through a $400,000 grant so the…
Jan 27, 2009
Healthcare
Make Medicare ‘as big as Americans want it to be’
Health care reform is fantastically messy. No matter how bad and cruel the current U.S. system, it won't be tossed out for…
Jan 26, 2009
Privacy
White House website responds to privacy concerns about Google; additional steps needed
Twelve hours after blogger Chris Soghoian revealed privacy concerns about Google's involvement with the ...
Jan 23, 2009
Privacy
Selection of stem cell vice chair delayed
The selection of a new vice chairman of California's stem cell board won't take place at next week's meeting in San Francisco…
Jan 21, 2009
Privacy
Our small slice of inaugural history
I can’t tell you what Michelle Obama wore to the inauguration, but here are a few photos of the million-plus inaugural crowd…
Jan 20, 2009
Energy
Boxer Asks California AG to Look into Alleged Market Manipulation
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer has asked California Attorney General Jerry Brown to investigate whether Shell Oil, in suspending crude deliveries to the…
Jan 19, 2009
Insurance
Time To Clean Up Wasteful Patronage
This issue has arisen most recently with appointments to the state's Integrated Waste Management Board. Didn't know that board existed, did you?…
Jan 18, 2009
Privacy
California Limits Politicians’ Use Of Funds Raised For Ballot Measures
Such money must be spent on specific propositions and can't be used as 'slush funds' to promote the politicians. The rules follow…
Jan 16, 2009
Energy
Meltdown 101: Why Gas Prices Rise While Oil Drops
Consumer Watchdog says production cuts at refineries in California, for example, have far exceeded the state's drop in consumption. "The refinery cutbacks…
Jan 16, 2009New Rules Rein in Unregulated Spending by Elected Officials, Mandate Greater Disclosure for Ballot Initiative Expenditures
UPDATE: After receiving clarification from the FPPC, Consumer Watchdog's concerns about public disclosure under the new regulations were eliminated. All new information…
Jan 15, 2009