Insurance
Insurance rates face scrutiny
ZIP codes often determine how much drivers payThe San Francisco Chronicle Consumer groups are seeking to tighten a loophole in a state…
Dec 5, 2003Consumer 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
Insurance
Insurance based on ZIP code irks drivers
'It's insurance company larceny. We're being penalized because of where we live.'The Oakland Tribune Consumer groups want Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi to…
Dec 5, 2003
Insurance
Advocates seek reforms on insurance
Contra Costa Times Harvey Rosenfeld said insurance companies are circumventing Prop 103, the insurance reform measure he authored. He stood on the…
Dec 5, 2003
Privacy
Fund-raising during budgeting at issue
The Orange County Register Arnold Schwarzenegger called for a ban on fund-raising while the budget was being written in Sacramento. Now, as…
Dec 4, 2003
Privacy
Constructing a Budget One Fundraiser at a Time
Arnold pledged during his campaign not to build a budget while he was building a campaign war chest. At least some boosters…
Dec 4, 2003Schwarzenegger Donors Link Contributions, Budget Cuts
Group Calls on Governor to Return $, Ban Fundraising During Budget Season "Californians can only assume the worst if the governor is…
Dec 3, 2003
Insurance
Sting of high insurance spurs probe;
Granholm seeks reasons for soaring home, auto ratesThe Detroit News Critics say its no coincidence that rates accelerated when the stock market…
Dec 3, 2003
Healthcare
Medical matters that could affect your next trip to the doctor.
CNN-TV - WOLF BLITZER REPORTS Where did the nation's first challenge to medical malpractice insurance rate hikes take place? The answer, California.…
Dec 3, 2003
Insurance
The Safe Way to Lower Labor Costs
Arnold just recorded another $15,000 from Safeway, the supermarket, on top of $16,200 registered five days before and another $5,000 from Safeway…
Dec 3, 2003
Insurance
Funds Rise, Sun Sets
A governor who claims to want greater sunshine in government should at least let the public know the truth about his fundraisers.…
Dec 2, 2003
Insurance
At mercy of insurance companies? Some wildfire claimants told premiums will rise
The San Diego Union-Tribune Doug Heller, a consumer advocate with the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, was surprised to…
Nov 30, 2003
Energy
Who Arnold Has to Be Thankful for…And What They Want for Christmans
A dozen new donors have joined the Governor's $21,200 Club in the last few weeks (and some have used loopholes to go…
Nov 27, 2003
Healthcare
Hasta La Vista HMO Regulation?
Capitol insiders are abuzz with news that Governor Schwarzenegger is considering eliminating the four year old Department of Managed Health Care in…
Nov 26, 2003Oversight of Insurance Rates Needed to Lower Workers’ Comp Costs
Rate Rollback, Ban on Unfair & Excessive Rates, Only Sure Way to Lower Premiums
Nov 25, 2003
Insurance
Testimony Under Oath Gives Special Interest the “Willies”
As ArnoldWatch reported Thursday, in its effort to get to the truth underlying the crisis in workers' comp, the Senate has taken…
Nov 25, 2003
Healthcare
Study: HMOs take money from patient care
United Press International (UPI) New research indicates the nation's six largest HMOs increase their earnings and profitability by dramatically cutting the amount…
Nov 24, 2003
Privacy
Major business group refusing to testify under oath to panel
Sacramento Bee Consumer activist Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights called the CMTA's position "incredible" and said it…
Nov 24, 2003
Privacy
BACK BAY MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING IDENTITIES OF A DOZEN PAUL CASEYS
The Boston Globe Consumer advocates put the blame on corporations for failing to respect consumer privacy rights and argue that Massachusetts hasn't…
Nov 24, 2003