Consumer Group Challenges $100 Million Auto Insurance Rate Hike Proposed by Farmers Insurance in California
FTCR Invokes Proposition 103 to Force 2nd Largest Insurer to Lower Excessive Rates
Aug 18, 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
Insurance
Pick by governor raises concerns
Choice to head Office of Administrative Law has strong links to insurance industry.Sacramento Bee "I have no reason to think Bill Gausewitz…
Aug 17, 2004
Insurance
Insurers Might Stand to Gain From Charley;
The Florida disaster could slow down a cost-cutting trend but isn't expected to affect California rates.Los Angeles Times Doug Heller, a senior…
Aug 17, 2004
Insurance
Home insurance still on the rise;
Bad weather and West Virginia laws blamed for increases in ratesThe Herald-Dispatch (Huntington, WV) California saw homeowner's insurance rates drop once voters…
Aug 17, 2004Senate Should Place Restrictions on Schwarzenegger Appointee Who Was An Insurance Lobbyist, Group Says
Special Interest Background Compromises Nominee's Neutrality on Insurance Issues at Office of Administrative Law
Aug 17, 2004
Healthcare
How Much Would You Save if the U.S. Bulk Purchased Rx?
Rx Express Partner Provides Drug Calculator on Website
Aug 17, 2004
Privacy
Used-car measure mired in disputes;
Bill requires 3-day cooling-off period, caps loan markups.Sacramento Bee FTCR which tracks gubernatorial fund raising, said the car industry has contributed more…
Aug 16, 2004
Energy
Shell agrees to keep open a refinery proposed to be shut down
Marketplace Morning Report - MN Public Radio Regulators and legislators working with whistle-blowers and consumer groups can stop an oil refiner that's…
Aug 16, 2004
Insurance
Health savings accounts: Can they cure insurance blues?
High deductibles, Tax breaks, lower premiums may tempt workers, employers alikeThe Seattle Times Jerry Flanagan, consumer advocate with The Foundation for Taxpayer…
Aug 16, 2004
Privacy
Deal-Broker Seeks State Senate’s Top Job
Los Angeles Times State Sen. Don Perata, one of two main candidates to become Senate leader, is among California's most influential lawmakers.…
Aug 16, 2004
Insurance
Special Interests or 29% Interest?
Los Angeles Times "I have no doubt car dealers are counting on Schwarzenegger to be their salesman for Prop. 64," says Jamie…
Aug 15, 2004
Privacy
State fix gets Inland setting;
OVERHAUL: The governor touts the detailed plan to streamline government.The Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA) Critics contend the report's suggestion to consolidate numerous…
Aug 14, 2004
Energy
Shell plan to close refinery may be off;
An oil-industry publication says deal with state would keep facility open until sale can be worked out.The Orange County Register (California) Critics…
Aug 13, 2004
Energy
Shell delays closure of Bakersfield oil refinery
Associated Press Jamie Court, a consumer activist with FTCR, hailed Shell's decision as a "major victory for consumers. I don't know of…
Aug 13, 2004
Energy
Shell May Postpone Closing of Refinery
Los Angeles Times Lawmakers and other critics have said they believe Shell wants to close the refinery to tighten fuel supplies and…
Aug 13, 2004
Energy
Report: Shell gives in to state
Company agrees to postpone closing its Bakersfield refinery so buyers can be found.Sacramento Bee "If it's true, it's a big victory for…
Aug 13, 2004