Insurance

Assembly ‘workers’

September 6, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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>

USC study: Abstentions, absenteeism played major role in bills’ failing

September 3, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>FTCR said it would try to put an initiative on the ballot in 2006 to withhold lawmakers' pay when they don't vote if the Legislature doesn't enforce rules against abstentions. The measure would also require the reporting of lawmakers' missed votes online</p>

Out for the Count

September 2, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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

September 2, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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>

Grand Old Profits: Will Republicans Ever Speak Out Against Insurer Profits?

September 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

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State Farm slashing car-insurance rates;

September 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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>

State Farm plans to reduce rates for California customers

September 1, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</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

August 31, 2004  ·  Doug Heller

<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;

August 30, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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>

“Off-the-Rails Drug Policy”

August 30, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Last week, the California Assembly approved legislation authorizing the state to buy cheaper drugs from Canada for the prison system and other state agencies.</p>

U.S. Seniors Travel to Canada for Affordable Rx Drugs;

August 26, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Reimportation and Bulk Purchasing Urged</h3>

Seniors take aim at drug prices;

August 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Event will spotlight two groups' differing cost-cutting solutions</h3><p class="source">Portland Tribune</p> <p>The Rx Express started off as a simple enough idea: Send a group of senior citizens up to Canada to save money on their prescription drugs, and raise all sorts of election-year issues along the way.</p>