Consumer Watchdog
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Articles by Consumer Watchdog
California Stem Cell Agency to Fund Non-Embryonic Alternatives
Wired Magazine The plan to fund businesses drew a cautionary note from CIRM watchdog John Simpson of the Foundation for Taxpayer and…
Nov 30, 2007Audit Ordered for California Stem Cell Agency;
California State Controller John Chiang has ordered an audit of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, citing accusations of conflict of interest.Wired…
Nov 29, 2007Grants are focus of third audit of stem cell institute;
Controller says he doesn't suspect any wrongdoingThe San Diego Union-Tribune The Controller's letter to the commission follows a complaint filed last week…
Nov 28, 2007Stem Cell Chairman Robert Klein And Oversight Board Member John Reed Must Resign Because of Conflict of Interest, Consumer Advocate Tells Controller’s Committee;
Controller Chiang Will Refer Conflict Issue To FPPC
Nov 27, 2007$100 oil and the ‘S’ word
Is it growing demand and tight supply, or merely rampant speculation that has pushed crude to record highs?CNNMoney.com "Just the multiple [contract]…
Nov 27, 2007Controller will audit stem-cell institute
POLITICAL ETHICS AGENCY ALSO ASKED TO INVESTIGATESan Jose Mercury News (California) California Controller John Chiang said he has asked the Fair Political…
Nov 27, 2007Schwarzenegger’s ecological drive may be just more Hollywood
The Sunday Independent (South Africa) Jamie Court, the president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, says the governor is an…
Nov 25, 2007The Governator’s Gold Rush;
Arnold Schwarzenegger is shaping America's climate change agenda. But critics say the billions pouring into California's green industries are chasing Hollywood hype.The…
Nov 25, 2007Lobbying probe urged;
Consumer group calls for investigation of stem-cell board memberThe San Jose Mercury News (California) The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights said…
Nov 22, 2007State stem cell board member asked to quit over apparent conflict
The San Francisco Chronicle "I think it would be the best thing to have a clean slate. They both should go," said…
Nov 22, 2007Taxpayer group alleges conflict
Sacramento Bee (California) Agency staff stood by their decision; the award was formally rescinded last month. But John Simpson, spokesman for the…
Nov 22, 2007UW seeks patent on breakthrough;
Stem cell method clears ethical barrierMilwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) "This is an important development in the biology of human cells, but like…
Nov 21, 2007California Stem Cell Board Member Violates Conflict Rules, Should Resign From Committee, Consumer Group Says;
FTCR Files Complaint About Burnham's John Reed with Fair Political Practices Commission
Nov 21, 2007Regulators responsible for fair, accurate gas measures keep cozy with the regulated
The Kansas City Star Although nothing had been done about it at the regulatory level, hot fuel in 2006 drew the attention…
Nov 18, 2007UC Signs BP Contract, Research Already Underway
Berkeley Daily Planet (California) John Simpson of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) said he was particularly concerned because the…
Nov 16, 2007Blue Cross gave chairman $16.4 million in retirement pay;
Van Faasen still on salary at insurerThe Boston Globe "When you're spending down the coffers by paying $19 million to reward a…
Nov 16, 2007Insurance chief hires top legal enforcer – and gets some static
Sacramento Bee (California) Cole's selection, however, was questioned by one consumer group. It also follows a call by the Foundation for Taxpayer…
Nov 15, 2007