Insurance

Battling Corporate Greed

May 12, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, and the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights no doubt are hoping that newspaper opinion pages support their "Corporate Three Strikes Act."</p>

Corporate Three Strikes Bill in California

May 11, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">CNN - IN THE MONEY</p> <p>You can't put a corporation in prison and that's usually the ultimate punishment for individual crime. We need a corollary in corporate crime, and this three strikes you're out law here in California will be exactly that.</p>

Cashing In at the Capitol

May 9, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In fact, now Sacramento insiders say lawmakers seem to base their votes more than ever on political factors and the sources of campaign funds.</p>

Panel OKs Perata’s insurance legislation

May 8, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Bill would give discount to drivers who have continuous auto coverage</h3><p class="source">Oakland Tribune</p> <p>Despite an outcry from consumer groups, an East Bay senator won initial approval Wednesday of a resurrected, industry-backed auto insurance measure that critics say would hurt the poor more than it helps good drivers.</p>

Insurer Uses Its Muscle on 2 Bills;

May 8, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Measures opposed by activists and regulators advance. Firm has been a big campaign donor.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A Los Angeles insurance company that has contributed millions of dollars to California politicians over the years is trying to use its influence with lawmakers to overturn regulatory and court decisions that threaten its financial interests.</p>

Mercury Insurance Donations & Uninsured Surcharge Bill Timeline

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

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Bill backed by major donor overcomes commissioner’s opposition

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press State & Local Wire</p> <p>A Senate committee Wednesday approved auto insurance rate legislation backed by a major campaign contributor - despite claims the bill would violate voter-approved Proposition 103 and hurt the poor.</p>

Auto insurance bill on bumpy road to Senate

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Critics of the Mercury Insurance-sponsored bill say the measure goes against the will of the voters - expressed in Proposition 103 - and would hurt the poor more than it helps good drivers.</p>

Low Cost Auto Rate Testimony

May 6, 2003  ·  Doug Heller

Testimony of Douglas Heller regarding legislation to expand and improve California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program.<br />

Strike three, you’re out?

May 5, 2003  ·  Carmen Balber

<h3>U.S. consumer groups trying to create corporate three-strikes law</h3><p class="source">St. Johns Telegram (Newfoundland, Canada)</p> <p>Borrowing from a popular punishment for multiple street crimes, California consumer activists are trying to create a three-strikes-and-you're-out law for corporations.</p>

Book Review:

May 5, 2003  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>CORPORATEERING; How Corporate Power Steals Your Personal Freedom... and What You Can Do About It</h3><p class="source">Publishers Weekly Reviews</p> <p>Corporations have this power, Court says, because many of them have become larger than some national governments. The book explores the impact of this power on America's judicial system, education system and the public spaces that define community.</p>

On shaky ground;

May 4, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Costly earthquake insurance leaves many homeowners in a quandary, facing high deductibles and no coverage for garages, pools and other structures.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer groups believe current earthquake policies, with their high deductibles, limited coverage for household contents and lack of coverage for detached garages, swimming pools and other peripheral structures, offer little value to homeowners.</p>