Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog

Insurance

Insurance news, investigations, and reform — auto, home, and health insurance rates, claims denials, and industry accountability.
Reducing lawsuit abuse

Reducing lawsuit abuse

<p class="source">Marketplace Radio - Minnesota Public Radio</p> <p>You don't hear too much about frivolous corporate litigation. That's because big business pays to publicize other things, like ambulance chasers out to bankrupt America.</p>
Reducing lawsuit abuse

Reducing lawsuit abuse

<!-- excerpt --><p>You don't hear too much about frivolous corporate litigation. That's because big business pays to publicize other things-like ambulance chasers out to bankrupt America.</p>
A Plain Aye or Nay Will Do

A Plain Aye or Nay Will Do

<p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>If the nonvoting problem persists, the progressive Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights says it will sponsor a ballot initiative in 2006 that would deny legislators their pay when they fail to vote.</p>
Assembly ‘workers’

Assembly ‘workers’

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>We have repeatedly expressed our disgust at the way Assembly members have made a custom of ducking important votes. Under Assembly rules, a majority of members on a committee -- not just those who actually vote -- is required for passage.</p>
Out for the Count

Out for the Count

<h3>An Analysis of Nonvoting in the California Legislature</h3> <p> An award-winning study from the University of Southern California School of Policy, Planning and Development that analyzes the impact of lawmakers' non-voting on the success of legislation in California. </p>
A Show of Weakness in Drug Import Debate

A Show of Weakness in Drug Import Debate

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Fresh from his star turn at the Republican convention, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could scarcely find a better way to certify his role as a political action hero than to take on perhaps the most powerful corporate force in America: the drug industry.</p>
State Farm slashing car-insurance rates;

State Farm slashing car-insurance rates;

<h3>The 7.6 percent cut will save customers $215 million a year and pressure other companies to follow suit.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>Advocacy groups applauded the reduction, saying it is in line with auto-reform regulation and follows a national trend in which insurers are vying to offer more competitive rates.</p>
Not a Moderate…Fundraiser

Not a Moderate…Fundraiser

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Arnold, with a premier speaking spot at the GOP convention, will list a string of life achievements in his American Dream speech tonight. However, he will likely ignore one of his most recent...</font>
Governor Is Sprinting for Donations;

Governor Is Sprinting for Donations;

<h3>Schwarzenegger is on pace to raise about $9million to fight two gambling initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot and to promote his agenda.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"There is no doubt that Schwarzenegger has violated the fundamental principle of his campaign: that he would keep the special interests out of his government," said Douglas Heller, executive director of the Santa Monica-based FTCR.</p>