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
Allstate Revises Way It Sets Premiums
Tampa Tribune (Florida) Allstate Insurance Company is changing the way it uses a person's credit to set premiums on home and auto…
Feb 16, 2007Term-limits initiative proposed
THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE (California) California has yet to move the presidential primary. A bill to do so passed the Senate this…
Feb 16, 2007Is Allstate’s new policy a brushoff?
The insurer seeks a hike in home rates. Some say it wants to exit the state.The Los Angeles Times Some consumer advocates…
Feb 16, 2007Termed out? Maybe not;
MEASURE'S APPROVAL COULD KEEP PERATA AND NÚÑEZ IN POWERThe San Jose Mercury News (California) Critics say that legislators are using an early…
Feb 16, 2007Board to hand out stem cell research grants;
Legal battle plays out as loans fund programThe San Diego Union-Tribune The board could only make "provisional" votes on the recommendations last…
Feb 16, 2007CAPITOL WATCHDOG: A surge in contributions;
The timing of industry donations to the state Assembly's new Insurance Committee chairman suggests early notice of the appointment.The Orange County Register…
Feb 16, 2007Health Affordability Talk, But No Regulatory Walk In Wake of $1 Million Dollars in Industry Contributions To Committee Members;
Senator Kuehl Called On To Introduce Insurance Premium Regulation
Feb 15, 2007California’s Voice in the 2008 Presidential Campaigns?
Which Way LA? (National Public Radio - KCRW 89.9FM Los Angeles) The Governor and the Legislature are likely to move California's presidential…
Feb 15, 2007Big Oil Shifts To Greener Rhetoric But Investment Still Lags
Dow Jones Newswires Big Oil's embrace of the environmental debate has drawn jeers from some quarters. "Big Oil CEO's are meeting in…
Feb 14, 2007Insurance chief appoints figure from industry;
CRITICS SAY MOVE BELIES POIZNER'S NEUTRAL IMAGEThe San Jose Mercury News (California) The appointments have prompted questions about Poizner's commitment to create…
Feb 14, 2007Poizner’s choice of advisor criticized;
Consumer advocates are wary of the insurance regulator's new aide, an ex-industry lobbyist.The Los Angeles Times Poizner said he valued Gausewitz's insurance…
Feb 14, 2007Topics shift to the environment as oil executives meet in Texas;
'It really reflects how the times change,' says Daniel Yergin, whose group is the sponsor.The Los Angeles Times All the talk of…
Feb 14, 2007Politicians Approve Extra Election at $90 Mil Taxpayer Cost;
Bill Tied to Deal Extending Term Limits for Lawmakers, Governor
Feb 13, 2007Big Oil’s Hot Air in Houston;
Oil CEO's Presence at Energy Summit Is About Image, Not Change, Says Group
Feb 13, 2007California’s presidential primary will likely move to February
The San Jose Mercury News (California) In California's most previous changes to early primaries from June to March, legislative primaries also were…
Feb 13, 2007