Energy
Is the era of deregulation finally over?
For a generation, regulation has been a dirty word in politics unless it had the prefix "de-" attached to it. I think…
Mar 24, 2008Consumer 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
Fine official, but delayed
The FPPC approved that $350,000 fine on Senator Migden at an emergency meeting yesterday, with one dissension -- Commissioner Leidig wanted the…
Mar 21, 2008
Energy
Gas Pricier, but Brief Dip Seen Coming
Gasoline prices have been flirting in recent days with Arkansas' average record of $3.18 a gallon set in May. The national average…
Mar 21, 2008
Privacy
The real cost of pushing pills
Big drug companies like to tell us that the reason pills cost so much is the high cost of research and development. …
Mar 21, 2008
Insurance
Wisconsin Stem Cell Patents Upheld
Scientists are still grumbling about the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation's grip on stem cell patents--a hold strengthened by rulings this and last…
Mar 21, 2008
Insurance
Canada: What Heparin problem?
Today's news stories identifying the apparently deadly fake heparin that adulterated a major U.S. brand of the blood thinner brought back memories:…
Mar 20, 2008
Insurance
Massachusetts hikes premiums, co-pays for low-income consumers
It's official - the poorest Massachusetts consumers will pick up the slack for cost increases under the state's mandatory health insurance program.…
Mar 20, 2008
Healthcare
Unions Promoting Drugs?
No, we don't mean marijuana on the street, but the brand-name drugs that are so profitable to the pharmaceutical industry. We found…
Mar 20, 2008
Insurance
A campaign fine fit for the Guinness book
There’s a slew of stories today about the biggest campaign fine in FPPC history: a $350K fine issued to State Senator Carole…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Auto Insurers’ Rate Cuts a Result of Prop. 103
Two of the state's biggest auto insurance companies have reduced their charges to customers under provisions of Proposition 103, a voter initiative…
Mar 19, 2008
Privacy
Increase In Car-Buying Fee Has Advocates Up In Arms
SACRAMENTO, CA -- By agreeing to carry a bill that would slightly raise a document fee that car buyers pay, Assemblyman Mark…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Insurance Rates to Drop in April
Nearly 2 million Allstate Auto Insurance customers will see their rates drop nearly 16 percent in April under a recent order by…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Poizner Orders Allstate to Cut Auto Rates 15.9%
SACRAMENTO, CA -- California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said Allstate must slash its automobile insurance rates nearly 16%, an average savings per…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Allstate Must Cut Car Rates in State
Allstate Corp., which covers about 1 of every 10 insured cars in California, has been ordered to cut its automobile rates by…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Quarter Billion Price Cut for Allstate Customers in California
Here's good financial news for folks at a time when it seems like the economic sky is falling: Allstate has to lower…
Mar 19, 2008
Insurance
Insurers Urge Independent Panel for Appeals of Rescission
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Reeling from public outrage and lawsuits over the practice of canceling policyholders' medical coverage after they fall ill,…
Mar 18, 2008Rate Challenge Saves California Drivers with Allstate Auto Insurance One Quarter-Billion Dollars
Insurance Commissioner Orders Allstate to Lower Rates by 15.9% Under Prop. 103 Santa Monica, CA -- California drivers with Allstate auto…
Mar 18, 2008
Insurance
State Orders Allstate to Lower Auto Rates
Allstate Insurance auto insurance policyholders could see their yearly premiums cut by an average of $133 a year per vehicle as a…
Mar 18, 2008