Consumer 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
After Fires, Homeowners Feel an Insurance Pinch
The New York Times After past disasters, California state officials tried to raise homeowners' awareness of their coverage limits by requiring policies…
Nov 13, 2007Secrecy & Conflicts: Amid Success and Shortfalls, California’s Stem Cell Agency Reaches for Cures
Sacramento Bee (California) For much of CIRM's life, John M. Simpson, stem cell project director for the nonprofit Foundation for Taxpayer and…
Nov 11, 2007Price of oil seen as sign commodities bubble near;
Run-up in price of oil is partly Fed's faultThe San Diego Union-Tribune As they did with the run-up in the stock market…
Nov 11, 2007A patent challenge for human embryonic stem cell research;
A scientist describes how she decided that a legal fight would advance scienceNature Magazine On 17 July, 2006, three of us --…
Nov 8, 2007CRUDE PRIMED TO HIT CENTURY MARK
The New York Post Wholesale gasoline hit a high of $2.435 a gallon, up 5.39 cents -- totaling a 20-cent a gallon…
Nov 8, 2007Health care funding at issue;
Governor reacts to Dems' plan hinging on tobacco tax hike.Sacramento Bee (California) The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights opposes the individual…
Nov 7, 2007Gov’s Protocol Should Be To Pay His Own Way
Just $25,000 will buy two people a seat at the table -- literally -- for dinner with Governor Schwarzenegger at a fundraiser…
Nov 6, 2007Groups Urge UC To Reject BP Deal
The Daily Californian John Simpson, consumer advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said he is concerned the final contractual…
Nov 6, 2007Mandatory Purchase Deal Is Giveaway to Big Health Insurers & Unfair Burden on Middle Class Without Premium Regulation;
Health Insurers, Which Have Donated Millions to Lawmakers, Would Gain Big Profits Under Democrats Reported Proposal
Nov 6, 2007Gasoline Price Spike Heralds Economy-Busting Christmas ‘Present’ For Oil Companies
Price for Regular Up 14 Cents Nationally, to $3.01, In One Week; No More 'Profit Restraint' for Big Oil, Says Watchdog
Nov 6, 2007Group says Allstate overcharges California drivers;
Nearly two million drivers affectedKGO-TV ABC-7 News - San Francisco, CA The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights says Allstate's claims of…
Nov 5, 2007Allstate Threatens to Leave Auto Market, Degrade Service in CA, Unless Motorists Continue Paying Excessive Premiums;
Despite Staggering Profits, Allstate Continues to Battle Regulatory Requirement to Lower Its Auto Insurance Rates More Than $300 Million Per Year
Nov 5, 2007Allstate Threatens to Leave Auto Market, Degrade Service in CA, Unless Motorists Continue Paying Excessive Premiums;
Despite Staggering Profits, Allstate Continues to Battle Regulatory Requirement to Lower Its Auto Insurance Rates More Than $300 Million Per Year
Nov 5, 2007Probe of Perata dealings quiet, but alive;
A grand jury has issued subpoenas and agents have collected records in the federal investigation into possible corruption by state Senate leader.Los…
Nov 4, 2007Chevron fails to cash in on high oil prices;
Third-quarter profit takes a 26% hit. The firm blames sharply lower profit margins on the West Coast.Los Angeles Times "No one outside…
Nov 3, 2007