Consumer Watchdog

True Lies and Soviet Tanks

Arnold had historians scratching their heads on Tuesday night when he recalled the Soviet tanks rolling through the socialist Austria of his…

USC study: Abstentions, absenteeism played major role in bills’ failing

Associated Press FTCR said it would try to put an initiative on the ballot in 2006 to withhold lawmakers' pay when they…

The bills stop here;

'LITMUS TEST' MUST BE COMPLETED BY END OF MONTHSan Jose Mercury News (California) "I think this is the ultimate litmus test of…

Schwarzenegger back on the job;

SOME BILLS AFFECT CONVENTION HOSTSSan Jose Mercury News (California) Abbott Laboratories and Pfizer both donated money for convention parties with Schwarzenegger, who…

Absentee lawmakers made big difference

San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California) Consumer group FTCR, which released and promoted the study of legislators not voting, argued that legislators should…

Out for the Count

An Analysis of Nonvoting in the California Legislature An award-winning study from the University of Southern California School of Policy, Planning and…

A Show of Weakness in Drug Import Debate

Los Angeles Times Fresh from his star turn at the Republican convention, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could scarcely find a better way to…

Grand Old Profits: Will Republicans Ever Speak Out Against Insurer Profits?

State Farm slashing car-insurance rates;

The 7.6 percent cut will save customers $215 million a year and pressure other companies to follow suit.The Orange County Register (California)…

State Farm plans to reduce rates for California customers

Associated Press Advocacy groups applauded the reduction, saying it is in line with auto-reform regulation and follows a national trend in which…

Not a Moderate…Fundraiser

Arnold, with a premier speaking spot at the GOP convention, will list a string of life achievements in his American Dream speech…

Proposition 103 Pushes State Farm Auto Insurance Rates Down 7.6%; Saves Consumers Estimated $215 Million

While State Farm Lowers Rates, Consumer Group Challenges Farmers' Insurance Group's Proposed 5.8% Rate Hike

Stores light way for Canadian prices on drugs

The Oregonian the nonprofit Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights reserved two cars on an Amtrak train that stopped in Portland en…

Governor Is Sprinting for Donations;

Schwarzenegger is on pace to raise about $9million to fight two gambling initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot and to promote his…

“Off-the-Rails Drug Policy”

Los Angeles Times Last week, the California Assembly approved legislation authorizing the state to buy cheaper drugs from Canada for the prison…

Perata — effective wheeler-dealer;

Senator stirs strong feelings from all sidesThe San Francisco Chronicle Consumer advocates have challenged Perata during his legislative career, accusing him of…

Calif. electric re-regulation bill gets an OK;

Measure likely to reach governor; veto possibleThe San Diego Union-Tribune Douglas Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights…

Arnold’s Own Rx Express

Arnold's $350,000 trip to the GOP convention in New York is being paid for in part by the pharmaceutical industry, including Abbot…