Consumer Watchdog

Governor may say a lot with a yea or a nay

Sacramento Bee "It would be much easier to not take a position on these things by chastising them as being passed at…

Gas Leaves State Even As Prices Rise – 8/22/04

The Orange County Register

Special Report; Less for more: The health care crunch. Part 1 of 3

Insurance ills put squeeze on consumers; Sliding benefits, soaring costs swell insurers' profitsThe San Diego Union-Tribune "What the HMOs tell us is…

Rx Depot loses bid to end injunction

San Diego Union-Tribune Critics of the government's campaign against imported drugs said yesterday the agreement was a victory for big drug companies.

Veto awaits drug measures;

Schwarzenegger pledges to reject bills for access to cheaper foreign medicines.Orange County Register Drug companies have donated at least $337,200 to Schwarzenegger's…

Discounted drugs urged for uninsured Californians;

Official rejects Canadian medications as illegalSan Diego Union-Tribune Jerry Flanagan, a spokesman for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said the…

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…

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…