Consumer Watchdog

Taking Rx Express;

Six O.C. residents are joining a trip to Canada to protest high prescription-drug costs.Orange County Register The train is sponsored by Santa…

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

California Rx Bulk Purchasing Bill Moves Closer to Governor’s Desk; Rx Express Train Trip to Highlight Benefits of Bulk Buying

Panel OKs former insurance industry lobbyist as regulation chief

Associated Press Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said Gausewitz should agree to recuse himself from…

End of Session Frenzy in Capitol;

Lobbyists dash to lawmakers' fundraising events as hundreds of bills face action.Los Angeles Times "This is the ugliest of many fundraising traditions…

Senate 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

How Much Would You Save if the U.S. Bulk Purchased Rx?

Rx Express Partner Provides Drug Calculator on Website

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…