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Consumer Watchdog

Accountability

W.H. Warned To Distance From Google

W.H. Warned To Distance From Google

<p> Consumer Watchdog is telling the White House that its cozy relationship with Google is inappropriate, given ongoing reviews by both the FTC and the Department of Justice.</p>
Does financial reform hit Wall St where it hurts?

Does financial reform hit Wall St where it hurts?

Two distinct narratives have emerged from last week’s approval by the U.S. Senate of financial reform legislation. One: Of an historic overhaul of the financial industry for reformers demanding accountability for Wall Street. Two: Of Wall Street lobbyists pleased that they managed to kill the biggest game-changers in reformers’ playbook...
Experts’ Biggest Fear: New Dodd Bill Won’t Stop Another Meltdown, “Epidemic” of Wall Street Fraud

Experts’ Biggest Fear: New Dodd Bill Won’t Stop Another Meltdown, “Epidemic” of Wall Street Fraud

On top of that, the compromised agency's actions are subjected to a veto by a "systemic risk" council made up of the same federal regulatory agencies that ignored the bubbles, scams and frauds that caused the last meltdown. As the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog's Washington Director Carmen Balber remarked, "You can't pull an agency's teeth, and let other regulators tie its hands, and still call it an independent champion for consumers."
Chrysler does the right thing

Chrysler does the right thing

It's not every day that one of the world's biggest automakers voluntarity agrees to greater legal accountability to injured consumers. But that's exactly what Chrysler did this week.
Fair Practices Panel Delays Action on ‘Slush Fund’ Rule

Fair Practices Panel Delays Action on ‘Slush Fund’ Rule

Carmen Balber, an advocate with Consumer Watchdog who wrote to the fair practices panel in support of the regulation, was at Thursday's meeting in Sacramento. "Most of the commissioners expressed a recognition -- and concern -- that these committees function as indeterminate, unlimited war chests," she said afterward.
Who’s behind the curtain?

Who’s behind the curtain?

<p> I just got an email that the FPPC is planning to tighten up the rules for disclosure of who's behind political committees. It's perfect timing after a story in Saturday's LA Times highlighted how little we know about who's running the show... </p>
Complaint Accuses Nunez of Misusing Charity

Complaint Accuses Nunez of Misusing Charity

<b>In a filing with the ethics panel, a foundation says the Assembly speaker used funds given to a nonprofit for political purposes. He denies the claim.</b> <p> A complaint filed with state ethics officials Tuesday accused Assembly...</p>
Complaint accuses Nunez of misusing charity;

Complaint accuses Nunez of misusing charity;

<div class="postDetail"> <p style="font-size: 11px"> <span style="font-weight: bold"></span> </p> <h3 style="font-size: 10pt">In a filing with the ethics panel, a foundation says the Assembly speaker used funds given to a nonprofit for political purposes. He denies the claim.</h3> </div>