Insurance

State Farm fight 3 years long, with no end in sight

February 29, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Houston Chronicle</p> <p>"Insurers get to hold the money and reap the investment rewards," said Doug Heller, of California-based FTCR. "The insurance company may have the resources to fight it out, but what's the low-income policyholder going to do?"</p>

Senator blasts colleagues

February 28, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>The inquiry on Senator Don Perata was spurred by a letter from the Santa Monica-based FTCR. The consumer advocacy group said it was concerned Perata may have used the affiliation to launder money and enrich himself.</p>

A Remedy for Shakedowns

February 27, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg maintains that the initiative would "stop these shakedown lawsuits before they happen." Yes, but like the Pacheco bill, it would make it very difficult for citizens, businesses & consumer groups to file justif</p>

Johnson puts starpower behind debtless ‘Magic’ money cards

February 25, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Bernardino Sun (California)</p> <p>With many underserved communities dependent on check-cashing stores for their banking needs, prepaid debit cards are a viable alternative, according to Harvey Rosenfield, with the Santa Monica-based Foundation For Taxpayer & Consumer Rights.</p>

Bill would make it easier to drop policyholders

February 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Charleston Gazette (West Virginia)</p> <p>Insurance rates could actually increase if the bill passes, said Doug Heller, a consumer advocate with FTCR. "If insurance companies can freely kick people off the rolls, they will do that when times get tight, then sign people up again at higher prices."</p>

17200 proponents take fight to corporate doorstep

February 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Recorder</p> <p>"It's seen as a lawyers versus the corporations issue. It's really... public interest versus big corporations," said Jamie Court, who is president of the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights.</p>

The Arnold Index

February 24, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">On Meet the Press yesterday, Arnold advised President Bush about giving and getting in politics: "You know, what you would do for them, they will do back for you."<br/> <br/> For...</font>

Arnold’s first 100 days win praise;

February 22, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>4 goals complete, others under way</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>"Schwarzenegger has been fund raising even faster than Gov. Gray Davis, the person who wrote the book on cash-register politics," said Jerry Flanagan, a consumer advocate at the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Schwarzenegger breaks fundraising record at up to $500,000 for dinner seat

February 21, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Guardian UK</p> <p>Critics question the actor's judgment in travelling to New York to solicit money to solve California's budget crisis, and ask just how committed he is to curbing the influence of business in politics.</p>

Arnold’s $100,00 per day habit & 1% Rebate

February 21, 2004  ·  Jamie Court

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">As the 100th day of the Arnold Administration approaches next Tuesday, campaign finance reports show the Governor who said he didn't need anyone else's money will have raised more than $100,000...</font>

WEDDING PERKS: Married couples save on inheritance, insurance

February 20, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>An unmarried couple pays about 22 percent more for car insurance than a married one, according to Doug Heller of FTCR. Homeowners insurers may require one partner to be treated as a renter. Life insurance firms can challenge a partner's "insurable interes</p>

Perata’s income is under inquiry

February 20, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>"The appearance of this scheme goes beyond an ethical violation and may be an illegal laundering mechanism that has been used to enrich an elected official," wrote Douglas Heller, FTCR's senior consumer advocate.</p>