Privacy
Arnold’s unraveling state
California is such a mess that that the state's webcast cut off (on my L.A. computer, anyway) halfway through Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's…
Jan 15, 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
Privacy
Universal health care = Major new jobs, say nurses
Among the biggest proponents of a Medicare-style universal health care plan is the California Nurses Association. Since no one else has wrapped…
Jan 14, 2009
Insurance
Schwarzenegger Accused Of Doing Bidding Of Big Business
Developers have long sought to weaken CEQA, which they contend delays construction and increases costs. Developers and others in the construction industry…
Jan 14, 2009
Healthcare
Follow the (insurance lobby’s) money
In the race to influence health care reform, the insurance industry and major corporations just made a big score in the toy…
Jan 14, 2009
Privacy
Burnham President Receives A Warning
Letter He Wrote Triggered Complaint, Investigation Although the letter did not prompt the institute staff to reconsider its decision, the nonprofit Consumer…
Jan 13, 2009
Privacy
Burnham Chief Acted Improperly On Stem Cell Grant
Burnham Institute president John Reed improperly tried to influence a grant decision by California's $3 billion stem cell program, a state ethics…
Jan 13, 2009
Accountability
CIRM Board Member Gets Ethics Warning Letter, But Not Fine, Over Conflict Of Interest
This ends an investigation that was launched over a year ago at the request of CIRM watchdog, John Simpson. “I hope Dr.…
Jan 13, 2009
Insurance
PUBLIC OPTION FACTSHEET
President Barack Obama promised to offer consumers a "public option" to the private insurance market. Giving every American the option of joining…
Jan 13, 2009
Energy
Gas Prices In California Jump Despite Oil’s Drop
The average price soars 25 cents to $1.988 a gallon in less than a month, while the U.S. average rises 10 cents…
Jan 13, 2009
Privacy
Calif. Panel Warns Stem Cell Agency Board Member
The California Fair Political Practices Commission warned Dr. John Reed in an official letter that his effort to appeal the denial of…
Jan 13, 2009
Energy
Don’t Get Used To Cheap Oil, Analysts Say
Another part of the problem, said Judy Dugan, research director for the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog, is that oil companies didn't invest enough…
Jan 12, 2009Ethics Panel Probe Finds Stem Cell Board Member Violated Ethical Standards
Warning Issued to Burnham Institute’s John Reed After Consumer Watchdog Complaint Santa Monica, CA -- California’s ethics commission has found that a…
Jan 12, 2009
Insurance
Blues’ Critics Rip Rate, Surplus Insurer: Rates Cover Rising Costs, Surplus Covers Risk
"These surplus funds are explained as being necessary to protect against insolvency, and most state laws make them tax free," said Jerry…
Jan 11, 2009
Energy
Gas Prices Heading Back Up
In part, it's the result of a brief rally in the market for crude oil, gasoline's main ingredient. At the same time,…
Jan 10, 2009
Energy
Deja Vu for a Troubled Refinery
Shell Oil Co. faces mounting criticism from consumer advocates and union officials. A powerful politician says the state may need to step…
Jan 10, 2009
Healthcare
California Ruling Halts Balance Billing for ER Care
SACRAMENTO, CA -- Health insurers and medical providers will have to work out balance-billing disputes among themselves, the California Supreme Court ruled.…
Jan 10, 2009
Energy
Gasoline Price In State Leaps 20¢ In Week
Mideast Conflict, Natural Gas Dispute Raise Cost Of Oil, But It's Retreating Again Judy Dugan, researcher for Consumer Watchdog, said in an…
Jan 10, 2009Commonwealth Fund Report Pushing “Mandatory Purchase” of Health Insurance Is Contrary to Will of Americans According to Recent Poll
Santa Monica, CA -- A new report released today by the Commonwealth Fund pushing national health reform modeled on a Massachusetts law…
Jan 9, 2009