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
Governor’s nonprofit political fund reaches half-million dollars
Associated Press A private nonprofit corporation organized by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to help support his political interests has spent close to $500,000…
Nov 9, 2004Out to Sushi?
According to an LA Times analysis, Arnold's staff has accepted hundreds of gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from special interests.…
Nov 8, 2004Terminating Patient Care
It was stories of patients who died of neglect in California hospitals, like 47 year-old Dwight Lobb, that led to the state…
Nov 5, 2004State moves to freeze nurse-patient ratio
The San Francisco Chronicle In a post-election blow to powerful nursing unions, the Schwarzenegger administration moved Thursday to ease some requirements of…
Nov 5, 2004State backs off on nurse levels
Contra Costa Times (California) Responding to complaints that hospitals are closing because of a law that took effect this year, California's health…
Nov 5, 2004Business lobby still has Schwarzenegger to help maintain clout
Associated Press Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a Santa Monica based consumer group, said he…
Nov 5, 2004State’s Businesses Are Given a Lift by Voters;
Companies, with the governor's help, win on referendums about health insurance and limits on lawsuits.The Los Angeles Times Consumer activists were far…
Nov 4, 2004Businesses hail Prop. 64 victory;
Opponents call it a victory for polluters and scofflaws.Sacramento Bee Opponents of Proposition 64 said the initiative really benefits big businesses that…
Nov 4, 2004A Victory for Special Interests
Arnold is claiming victory over the special interests today in the wake of results from his five main initiative campaigns. In those…
Nov 3, 2004‘TAKE GENERIC DRUGS,’ BRAND FIRM TELLS ITS EMPLOYEES
Washington Business Information Generic Line "While big pharma tout their R&D costs, according to their tax filings they spend two to three…
Nov 3, 2004Lockyer launches insurance probe
Contra Costa Times (California) Consumer watchdog Harvey Rosenfield alleges Spitzer's probe merely exposed decades of corruption that plagued the industry while government…
Nov 1, 2004Political Trick or Special Interest Treat?
Arnold claims that he is going to "scare the special interests" during his statewide tour on Halloween. Scare them. With what? The…
Oct 29, 2004Fireman’s Fund Gives Financial Incentives to Insurance Agents for Refusing to Sell Auto Insurance to Good Drivers, Consumer Group Alleges;
Organization Files Suit to Halt Violation of Proposition 103
Oct 29, 2004California joins in nationwide insurance probe
Associated Press FTCR sued Novato-based Firemans Fund Insurance Co. on Friday, alleging the firm is giving its agents financial incentives to dissuade…
Oct 29, 2004FIRMS CONFIDENT OF MERGER;
WELLPOINT, ANTHEM BID STILL RAISES CONCERNSThe Daily News of Los Angeles "Even if they win in court, every state will have to…
Oct 28, 2004ELECTION 2004: MEASURE 35 – CRITICS SAY DAMAGES LIMIT DIDN’T HELP TEXAS
The Oregonian "These insurance companies are unwilling to pass on the savings to doctors. They want to keep the profits for themselves,"…
Oct 28, 2004