Healthcare
An active retirement;
Older Americans make a formidable voting bloc, and as healthcare issues and the war make headlines, more are politicized, some say.Los Angeles…
Aug 11, 2004Consumer 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
Consumer Groups Oppose Department of Consumer Affairs Nominee
Anti-Consumer Record Makes Former Assembly Member Zettel Ill-Suited to Lead Consumer Protection Agency
Aug 10, 2004
Energy
State winning this time in power game;
New power plants, conservation get credit for reaching record July demandsThe Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA) "The energy industry always wants us…
Aug 8, 2004
Insurance
Governor playing to business
The San Francisco Chronicle Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said there's an inherent conflict when…
Aug 6, 2004
Privacy
ARNOLD’S FIRST YEAR GARNERS MIXED REVIEWS
The Daily News of Los Angeles Critics say Schwarzenegger's promise to sweep out the special interests in Sacramento essentially amounted to sweeping…
Aug 5, 2004
Privacy
Schwarzenegger ‘slush fund’ hides political spending
Associated Press In May, the nonprofit FTCR filed an appeal with the IRS challenging the corporation's tax exempt status, noting that it…
Aug 4, 2004
Insurance
Anthem suit targets Garamendi
Insurance chief is accused of unfairly blocking the planned merger with WellPoint.Sacramento Bee The lawsuit "ignores the fact that California courts have…
Aug 4, 2004
Insurance
Anthem Sues in Bid to Save WellPoint Deal
Los Angeles Times What's more, judges often defer to regulators, especially elected officials, said Jamie Court of the Foundation for Taxpayer and…
Aug 4, 2004
Insurance
Anthem sues Calif insurance official over WellPoint merger block
Associated Press Critics claim the companies would have to raise premiums to deal with the costs of the merger. "I think it's…
Aug 3, 2004
Energy
State Officials Tour LNG Sites With Energy Execs
Los Angeles Times Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said "If this was an important policy…
Aug 2, 2004
Insurance
SHOP CAREFULLY WHEN IN THE MARKET FOR A MORTGAGE
The Daily News of Los Angeles Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica, said consumers…
Aug 1, 2004
Privacy
Governor raises $17 million in 6 months
The San Francisco Chronicle Figures provided to us by the nonpartisan Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights -- which tracked $14.8 million…
Aug 1, 2004
Energy
Pare down, state urged;
Governor's task force likely to recommend slashing jobs, board posts and agencies.Sacramento Bee Consumer advocates have some concerns that eliminating some boards…
Jul 31, 2004
Energy
New report proposes sweeping overhaul of state government
Associated Press Doug Heller, a consumer advocate with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said he doesn't oppose making government more…
Jul 31, 2004
Privacy
Kaiser: Profit up, members are flat
Alameda Times-Star (Alameda, CA) "Patients don't want an advertising campaign, they want lower premiums," said Jerry Flanagan with FTCR, adding that the…
Jul 31, 2004
Energy
Chevron Profit Soars
Los Angeles Times Consumer advocates and critics have claimed the oil giants are using the Iraq war and supply concerns as "scapegoats"…
Jul 31, 2004
Insurance
CALIFORNIA PERFORMANCE REVIEW;
Consumer affairs: A third of state boards, including those for barbers and horse racing, would be cut. Some worry about unregulated businesses.Los…
Jul 31, 2004