Privacy
Regulatory Freeze
City News Service, Inc. Schwarzenegger's executive order "forces governmental agencies to do their job twice," and "gives big business a reprieve on…
Nov 17, 2003Consumer 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
Healthcare
Merger would bring multimillion dollar windfall to WellPoint CEO
Health & Medicine Week "Our insurance premiums should not be used to finance golden parachutes for company executives," said FTCR's Jerry Flanagan.
Nov 17, 2003
Healthcare
Answering the Challenge
Groups start contests to help fix Healthcare systemModern Healthcare The not-for-profit FTCR has launched a statewide contest seeking the best new ideas…
Nov 17, 2003
Privacy
Pulling the plug
Starting Nov. 24, you can take your phone number with you when changing provider. Millions more may then go all-wireless.The Orange County…
Nov 16, 2003
Privacy
Schwarzenegger names health care chief, deputy legal secretary
Associated Press Some social advocates criticize Belshe for her performance in the Wilson administration. "She did everything she could to cut eligibility…
Nov 14, 2003
Privacy
Cell phone customers being billed for still non-existent service
CBS-TV Evening News (6:30 PM ET) Mr. HARVEY ROSENFIELD (Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights): As of October 1, it (Nextel) unilaterally…
Nov 14, 2003
Energy
Schwarzenegger recruits press aide from CNN;
3rd Wilson staffer joins eclectic mix from left, rightThe San Francisco Chronicle Jamie Court, president of FTCR, said he was "appalled" by…
Nov 11, 2003
Insurance
Proposition 103’s Impact on Auto Insurance Premiums in California
15th Anniversary Report On November 8, 1988 California voters approved the landmark insurance reform initiative, Proposition 103. After 15 years, it has…
Nov 10, 2003Insurance Reform Proposition 103 Celebrates 15 Years of Consumer Savings
15th Anniversary Study Shows California Insurance Rates Dropped 22% Under Regulation Despite National Trend Toward Higher Rates A new study of auto…
Nov 10, 2003
Energy
California treasurer says private sector not meeting transmission needs; sees state role
Electric Utility Week the plan is designed to "energize" the private companies to start investing more in transmission. "We hope we will…
Nov 10, 2003
Privacy
FAIR CREDIT – A MIXED BAG
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri) A skywriter wrote the first five digits of Mr. Prince's social security number in the clouds above New…
Nov 9, 2003
Insurance
Schwarzenegger names chamber lobbyist Legislative Secretary
Associated Press Friday's appointment quickly drew criticism from consumer activists worried that business would have too much influence over the new governor.
Nov 8, 2003
Privacy
Governor-elect picks chamber man for job
The San Diego Union-Tribune "This appointment turns over the keys to the governor's office to every special interest group in the state,"…
Nov 8, 2003
Privacy
Business lobbyist tapped as aide;
GOV.-ELECT RANKLES CONSUMER ACTIVISTSSan Jose Mercury News (California) "It's an absolute contradiction to Schwarzenegger's promise during the campaign to govern for the…
Nov 8, 2003Schwarzenegger Names Chamber of Commerce Lobbyist As Top Legislative Advisor
Consumer Group Says Keys to Government Shouldn't Be In Hands of Big Business The non-profit, non-partisan Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights…
Nov 7, 2003
Insurance
FARMERS DEFENDS USE OF ZIP CODES
The Daily News of Los Angeles California motorists spend as much as $600 more a year for insurance because of where they…
Nov 6, 2003
Privacy
Consumer-credit bill passes Senate
Legislation that may override California's tougher privacy law heads to conference committee, then Bush.Orange County Register (California) "Consumers know what's best, and…
Nov 6, 2003