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
Handset-locking lawsuit expected
RCR Wireless News The suit, which claims the three wireless carriers violated the California Unfair Business Practices Act, seeks to halt a…
Jun 7, 2004Insurer bill gets a mixed reaction
Bill's author says it reduces red tape, but critic claims it strips away protections.Tulsa World (Oklahoma) "This 'use and file' system demonstrates…
Jun 6, 2004INSURANCE BILL DRAWS COMPLAINTS;
CRITICS SAY LEGISLATION'S LANGUAGE IS TOO BROAD TO PROTECT CONSUMERSCharlotte Observer (North Carolina) North Carolina lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday intended to protect…
Jun 6, 2004Gas Retailers Lose Money with Record High Prices
The Montana Standard Another study by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a Los Angeles consumer group, found those same five…
Jun 6, 2004CALIFORNIA EXECUTIVE PAY REPORT – Big Perks Put Seven CEOs in a Whole ‘Other’ Club;
Insurance, forgiven loans, corporate jet travel and 'gross-ups' are key features of their million-dollar packages.Los Angeles Times "I think even Caesar had…
Jun 6, 2004Pill makers rushing to push risks of buying drugs abroad
The Daily News of Los Angeles Consumer advocates agree, except on the issue of agendas. Jerry Flanagan, a lead advocate at the…
Jun 5, 2004Health-care crunch hits Temecula
North County Times "The unfortunate easy answer of rising health care costs is to have the employee pass on the rising costs…
Jun 5, 2004Letter to Schwarzenegger, Nunez Concerning Enron Tapes
The voices of Enron employees celebrating and mocking California's last energy crisis should be the final evidence you need to stop any…
Jun 4, 2004Enron Tapes Should Be Nail In Coffin of Schwarzenegger, Nuñez Proposals to Deregulate
Consumer Group Asks Gov, Speaker to Listen to Tapes And End Advocacy of "Direct Access"
Jun 4, 2004Measure’s Foes Woo Governor;
Environmental groups say an initiative that seeks to limit frivolous lawsuits would make it more difficult to uphold anti-pollution laws.Los Angeles Times…
Jun 3, 2004INSURERS HIKE TAB TO COVER HOUSE;
HOMEOWNER RATE RISE IS 5-YEAR LOWThe Daily News of Los Angeles "We actually don't believe there needs to be any rate increase…
Jun 3, 2004Anthem merger faces public hearing;
California panel will scrutinize $16.4 billion takeover of WellPointThe Indianapolis Star The hearing will air the whole range of concerns about how…
Jun 3, 2004Burn, Baby, Burn
"Burn, baby, burn," is what one Enron electricity trader gleefully said about a California wildfire during the energy deregulation crisis. The fires,…
Jun 3, 2004Burn, Baby, Burn
"Burn, baby, burn," is what one Enron electricity trader gleefully said about a California wildfire during the energy deregulation crisis. The fires,…
Jun 3, 2004TEPID START FOR DRUG CARD;
ABOUT A HALF-MILLION ON MEDICARE OPT FOR PLAN IN FIRST MONTHRocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights…
Jun 2, 2004Medicare card debuts – Seniors report little relief
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA) Consumers should be aware of some common types of fraud. "Seniors should read the fine the…
Jun 2, 2004How class-action legislation will hurt small business
Mergers among banks, health insurers and oil companies were supposed to create economies of scale and savings for all. Instead, we've got…
Jun 1, 2004