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
Health insurance regulation proposed;
Bill would require approval of rates and co-paymentsTHE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE "This is the big showdown," said Jerry Flanagan, health care advocate…
May 31, 2007Global Warming Resolution Gains Surprising Support From Exxon Shareholders;
31% 'Yes' Vote Puts Management on Defensive, Says Group
May 30, 2007Proposition 103’s Impact on Auto Insurance Premiums in California
15 Years of Insurance Reform: 1989 - 2004
May 30, 2007Coupon-Based Settlements Get Tougher;
Under New Laws, Trial Judges Get More DiscretionLos Angeles Daily Journal "In this situation, you have to buy more coverage or get…
May 29, 2007Insurance mandate at heart of plan
San Diego Union-Tribune (California) "There's nothing in the governor's plan that would require health insurance to be affordable. Consumers would have to…
May 29, 2007Enron case tests SEC’s allegiances
Associated Press Mr. Lerach alleges that several Wall Street firms should be held liable for Enron's accounting fraud because they financed transactions…
May 29, 2007Health reformers to piggyback on ‘Sicko’;
Michael Moore's blast at medical care is hitting as U.S. seems ripe for changesSan Francisco Chronicle "From the perspective of the health…
May 27, 2007Price of gas pumped up, but it fuels no outrage
The San Diego Union-Tribune So if oil is down, why is gas up? Ask the Big Oil executives, some of whom have…
May 27, 2007WellPoint dividend is questioned;
State officials say Blue Cross' $950-million payout to its parent may have violated a deal with regulators.Los Angeles Times State regulators are…
May 26, 2007Poll: Allstate should be banned for next 10 years
Los Angeles Business Journal A majority of respondents, 60 percent, said that Allstate should be banned, because they abandoned the new homeowners…
May 26, 2007Many records, little information;
State's methods for reporting government lobbying expenses mesh indirect and direct spending. The result: inflated figures and unreliable comparisons with other agencies…
May 25, 2007Verizon customers vexed by new $2 fee
Ventura County Star (California) Phone companies are looking for any reason to increase their profits, said Harvey Rosenfield, founder of the Foundation…
May 25, 2007Gouge gripes grow
The Saginaw News (Michigan) "Prices are higher than they were last year, yet the price of crude is lower," said industry analyst…
May 25, 2007Who Is To Blame For California’s Pain At The Pump?
TV-10 News (San Diego, CA) Jamie Court of the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights said, "This is clearly oil companies manipulating…
May 24, 2007Justify rates, Allstate told;
State demand could lead to homeowner policy refundsSacramento Bee (California) Consumer advocates contend that the Allstate withdrawal is aimed at pressuring Poizner…
May 24, 2007Gas prices outpacing crude prices
Oakland Tribune (California) Some critics of the oil industry believe energy companies have harvested excessive profits from crude oil prices that have…
May 24, 2007WILDFIRES SPUR INSURERS TO CUT SOME COVERAGE
The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) "It certainly isn't fair for these insurers to be dumping these last-minute requirements on homeowners," said Carmen Balber…
May 24, 2007