In The News
Schwarzenegger, Davis Talk of Transition
Sacramento Trip Includes Discussions With Governor and State LawmakersWashington Post
Oct 24, 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
Privacy
Privacy Group Plans to Skywrite Citigroup CEO’s SSN
WALL STREET JOURNAL The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, which favors tighter controls on the sharing by banks of private customer…
Oct 24, 2003
Privacy
Number in the Sky
The American Banker FTCR says it bought Mr. Prince's entire number on the Web for $30. And it paid a skywriter to…
Oct 24, 2003
Privacy
Landmark California privacy law on chopping block
Copley News Service Two months after Gov. Gray Davis signed the nation's toughest financial privacy law, Congress is poised to gut a…
Oct 24, 2003
Privacy
Citigroup CEO’s SSN Written in Sky Over Manhattan
CNNFN-TV LOU DOBBS TONIGHT (6:00 PM EST) FTCR was able, however, to buy Charles Prince's Social Security number on the Internet. They…
Oct 24, 2003
Privacy
Wilson aide & HMO Lobbyist named chief of staff for Schwarzenegger
Contra Costa Times (California) "HMO lobbyists should not be part of an administration that pledged to govern for the people, not for…
Oct 23, 2003
Energy
Schwarzenegger preparing energy deregulation sequel
Associated Press Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights worries that Schwarzenegger has been swayed by Ken Lay, the…
Oct 23, 2003
Privacy
On ‘fun’ day, fast action pledged In a state Capitol visit, Schwarzenegger spells out an ambitious agenda.
Sacramento Bee Not everyone was pleased, however. Patricia Clarey's last job was V.P. for government relations at Health Net Inc., a large…
Oct 23, 2003
Insurance
Health executive to be chief of staff for Schwarzenegger
Mary Anne Ostrom and Ann E. Marimow; Mercury NewsSan Jose Mercury News (California) Some consumer advocates are worried about her HMO ties.…
Oct 23, 2003
Privacy
Clarey worked for Gov. Wilson;
Schwarzenegger selection as chief of staff is considered a straight shooter by some, but consumer advocates object.Orange County Register (California) Some consumer…
Oct 23, 2003
Privacy
CONSUMER GROUP SUES NEXTEL AND CINGULAR
Richmond Times Dispatch (Virginia) FTCR filed a lawsuit Tuesday in California Superior Court against Nextel Communications Inc., saying the company stopped issuing…
Oct 23, 2003
Insurance
Proposition 103: A Model for Insurance Regulation
Testimony of Douglas Heller Before US Senate Commerce Committee - 10/22/03
Oct 22, 2003Tobacco, Insurer, Other Big Business Interests File Initiative To Gut California Consumer Protection Law
Consumer Group Vows To Fight Back
Oct 22, 2003Schwarzenegger Appoints HMO Lobbyist To Cabinet
FTCR Says Appointment Shows Gov-Elect Turns Deaf Ear To Patient Rights
Oct 22, 2003
Privacy
Privacy fight — Where’s Arnold?
The San Francisco Chronicle Why isn't Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, who campaigned as a champion of the people's interest over special interests, going…
Oct 22, 2003
Insurance
Insurance companies using incentives to encourage members to become healthier
CBS-TV Evening News (6:30 PM ET) Mr. COURT: This is very much, I think, a marketing strategy to attract the best risks.…
Oct 22, 2003
Insurance
HMO PROFITS RISING AGAIN; PREMIUM INCREASES MAY FUEL 16% GAIN
The Daily News of Los Angeles Jaime Court, president of The Foundation For Taxpayer & Consumer Rights in Santa Monica said, "The…
Oct 22, 2003
Privacy
Feinstein criticizes financial industry
Firms acting in bad faith on privacy law by trying to undo it in Congress, she saysSan Francisco Chronicle To show how…
Oct 22, 2003