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Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog investigations and advocacy on data privacy, surveillance, AI, and your right to control your personal information.
Measure targets unions’ money

Measure targets unions’ money

<h3>The initiative would require public workers' consent to use their dues for political purposes</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>According to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, Schwarzenegger alone received more than $23 million in corporate contributions.</p>
New council members serve on school boards

New council members serve on school boards

<p class="source">Pasadena Star-News (Pasadena, CA)</p> <p>"When somebody is voting to provide a service or voting on the expenditure of city taxpayer dollars, are they doing that from a biased perspective because they have an interest as a school board member?" said Douglas Heller, executive director of FTCR i</p>
Some lawmakers invite trouble with fund-raiser notices;

Some lawmakers invite trouble with fund-raiser notices;

<h3>Capitol Watchdog -- investigating state government</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>"(Politicians usually) never publicize that there could be any policy involvement in their fund-raising," said Doug Heller, executive director of the nonprofit Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumers Rights. "It crosses the one line that everyone knows abou</p>
RICHMAN BACKS VILLARAIGOSA;

RICHMAN BACKS VILLARAIGOSA;

<h3>CHALLENGER, HAHN TUSSLE OVER $15 MILLION MOVIE-SUBSIDY PROPOSAL</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Doug Heller, executive director of the nonprofit Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica, said there already are too many existing loopholes provided by the city to the entertainment industry.</p>
The Governator Rap

The Governator Rap

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">As thousands of protestors arrived at the Century Plaza to protest Arnold's big fundraiser Wednesday night, they will be welcomed by the first live performance of the new hip-hop song "The...</font>
Shooting star;

Shooting star;

<h3>Beatty takes aim at Schwarzenegger</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Warren Beatty delivered the warning shot at the annual Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights dinner down in Los Angeles, where he received the Phillip Burton Public Service Award.</p>
Commentary: Room Without a View at the Plaza

Commentary: Room Without a View at the Plaza

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>What do these millionaires get out of those dinners with the governor? Are they really paying $10,000 and $20,000 just to get their pictures taken with a movie star? Has anyone told them that "Buy California" means our products, not the whole state?</p>
Big money put behind drug-cost campaign;

Big money put behind drug-cost campaign;

<h3>PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WANTS TO SEIZE INITIATIVE</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Jerry Flanagan, a frequent Schwarzenegger critic, who backs one of the consumer-oriented initiatives, said the drug industry is adopting a nuclear strategy with its three initiatives.</p>
Beatty Gives Schwarzenegger Political Tips at Awards Banquet

Beatty Gives Schwarzenegger Political Tips at Awards Banquet

<h3>Actor Warren Beatty to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: Raise taxes</h3><p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Beatty said he wants to root for a fellow actor in the governor's office, but said he's disappointed that Schwarzenegger is yielding "to a reactionary right-wing agenda in order to get a political party to become a president. That's not so fine with me."</p>