Consumer Watchdog Press Releases http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/ en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Schwarzenegger Administration Should Reject Phony Emergency Declared by Insurance Commissioner Poizner to Help Insurers http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=20188 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=20188 Consumer Advocates Call On Office of Administrative Law To Resist Politics, Protect Public
 
Santa Monica, CA – The Schwarzenegger administration should reject the "emergency" changes to the... CONTACT: Doug Heller ,(310) 392-0522 ext. 309; or Harvey Rosenfield, ext. 304 Tue, 13 May 2008 13:03:14 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Auto Insurance Home Insurance Prop 103 Enforcing Prop. 103 Insurance Reform Sacramento Gas Up 11 Cents In Week, 34 Cents In a Month; Consumers' Tax Incentive Going Straight to Gas Tanks http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20176 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20176 White House Scorns Action, Congress in Gridlock as Soaring Prices Push Inflation, Motorists Cry ‘Uncle’

Santa Monica, CA -- An 11-cent rise in gasoline prices in one week will put the reins on consumers... CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175 Mon, 12 May 2008 15:20:00 MST Press Release Energy Campaign legislation Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices Controller's Stem Cell Agency Audit Ignores California Agency's Built-in Flaws http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=20173 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=20173 Santa Monica, CA -- An audit of the state stem cell agency by California’s Controller ignores fundamental flaws in Proposition 71 that created the agency, Consumer Watchdog said today.

The audit released by State Controller... CONTACT: John M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, ext 317; cell: 310-292-1902 Mon, 12 May 2008 13:45:00 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Stem Cell Cures Ballot Initiatives Chevron Rides Soaring Crude Oil Prices To Record Profit As Consumers Feel Squeeze At Pump http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20034 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20034 Consumer Group Cites “Oil Profits Monster” database; Calls On President Bush, Congress To Act On Oil Prices

Santa Monica, CA -- Chevron today posted record first-quarter profits of $5.17 billion while... CONTACT: John Simpson, 310-392-0522 x317, cell 310-292-1902; or Jamie Court x327 Fri, 2 May 2008 10:37:51 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices ExxonMobil Profits Soar to Record On Speculative Oil Prices While Consumers and Economy Suffer http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20016 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=20016 Bush, Congress Avoid Real Solutions; Stance Is Inexcusable as Pump Price Soars, Says Consumer Group

Santa Monica, CA — Record first-quarter profits, up a staggering 17 percent to $10.89 billion reported today... CONTACT: John Simpson 310-392-0522, x317; cell 310-292-1902; or Jamie Court x327 Thu, 1 May 2008 10:16:45 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices Poizner Capitulates to Insurance Industry, Weakens Prop 103 Insurance Rate Regulations, Author of 103 Says in Letter http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19996 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19996 Industry-Drafted Proposals Will Lead to Higher Insurance Rates
 
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has quietly adopted insurance industry proposals to weaken the rate regulations that led to last week’s... CONTACT: Doug Heller, 310-392-0522, ext. 309; or Harvey Rosenfield, ext. 303 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:22:39 MST Press Release lobbying Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Home Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 vs. Insurers Insurance Reform Sacramento Speculative Oil Price Brings Roof-Busting Profits to Shell, BP at Cost of Squeezed Consumers, Suffering Economy http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19971 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19971

Government’s ‘Business as Usual’ Stance Is Inexcusable as Pump Price Soars, Says Consumer Group

Santa Monica, CA -- The first-quarter record profits reported today by oil giants BP and...

 CONTACT: Judy Dugan, cell: 213-280-0175; or John Simpson, 310-392-0522, ext. 317 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:36:09 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices Consumer Victory: Judge Refuses to Block Allstate's $250 Million Rate Reduction http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19902 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19902

A San Francisco judge refused auto insurance giant Allstate’s request to block a $250 million auto insurance rate decrease set to go into effect next Monday.
 
Last month, California Insurance Commissioner Steve...

 CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522 ext. 309; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:05:00 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Home Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 vs. Insurers Insurance Reform Consumer Group Sees Warning in Oil Profit Report That Refining Profits Set to Rise, Spiking Gasoline Prices Further http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19891 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19891

Analyst Predicts Over $4 a Gallon Nationally, Up To $5 in California

Conoco Phillips’ CEO all but apologized for his company’s 1st quarter profits today, even though the $3.29 billion total...

 CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305; or Tim Hamilton, 360-495-4941 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:34 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices $62 Billion Savings on Auto Insurance in California Since Voters Approved Insurance Reform Proposition 103 Twenty Years Ago, According to National Study http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19888 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19888 BREAKING TODAY:  Allstate In Court To Block $250 Million Prop 103 Rate Cut

Santa Monica, CA -- California has the best automobile insurance regulation in the nation, with the slowest-growing premiums and one of... CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:03:00 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Home Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 vs. Insurers Insurance Reform Consumer Watchdog Calls on Governor & Regulator to Immediately Reinstate All Wrongfully Cancelled Patients, Move Forward on Delayed Rules http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19881 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19881

Santa Monica, CA -- In the wake of last week's announcement by Governor Schwarzenegger and state regulators that health insurers would be required to reinstate 26 patients whose health policies were wrongfully cancelled, Consumer...

 CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0552, ext. 319 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:17:55 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Arnold Watch Corporateering Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Health Insurer Accountability Universal Health Care Sacramento White House Silence, Inaction on Pump Price Spike is Opposite of Bush 2006 Response, Says Group http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19847 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19847 Consumers, Economy Are Buckling Under Gasoline and Diesel Price Records As Government Stays Mum

The 16-cent national rise in gasoline prices over two weeks, to more than $3.50 a gallon on average, is busting family... CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell 213-280-0175 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:42:00 MST Press Release Energy Campaign lobbying Commentary Oil Watchdog Washington DC Gas Prices Consumer Watchdog Praises HMO Regulator's Promise to Reinstate Health Coverage for Wrongfully Cancelled Patients http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19798 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19798 Cautions That All Health Costs During Gap Must be Covered

Santa Monica, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today praised a California state regulator’s efforts to begin reinstating the insurance coverage of patients left... CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:44:00 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Corporateering Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Health Insurer Accountability Universal Health Care Sacramento Consumer Watchdog Applauds L.A. City Attorney's Efforts to Reinstate Cancelled Blue Cross Patients http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19790 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19790 Urges State HMO Regulator To Do Same

Santa Monica, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today joined L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo in announcing the city's lawsuit alleging that health insurer Blue Cross engaged in unfair... CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, 310-889-4912; or Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522 ext. 305 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:07:50 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Corporateering Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Corporateering Campaign Health Insurer Accountability Universal Health Care Access to Justice New Oil Price Spike to $115 a Barrel Shows a "Two-Faced" White House That Takes Oil Off U.S. Markets While Blaming OPEC http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19788 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19788 Consumer Watchdog Renews Call for Bush to Stop Buying Oil for U.S. Reserve, Release Oil to Dampen Price

Santa Monica, CA -- As oil prices topped $115 a barrel today on futures markets, President Bush continued his... CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522 ext. 305; or cell, 213-280-0175 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:54:08 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices California Stem Cell Agency Exaggerated Its Role In Funding Key Research http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19786 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19786 Agency Claimed State Funding Led to Important Clinical Trials

Santa Monica, CA -- California’s stem cell agency overstated and hyped the importance of its funding in enabling clinical trials for a drug to treat... CONTACT: John M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, ext. 317; or cell: 310-292-1902 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:16:22 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Stem Cell Cures Ballot Initiatives Fundraising Allstate Goes to Court to Block $250 Million Auto Insurance Rate Reduction http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19760 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19760

Insurance Commissioner Ordered Allstate to Lower Rates by 15.9% Under Prop. 103

Santa Monica, CA – Consumer advocates argue today before a San Francisco Superior Court that the $250 million auto...

 CONTACT: Doug Heller 310-392-0522 ext. 309 ; or Pamela Pressley (310) 779-9195 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:02:56 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 Corporateering Campaign vs. Insurers Access to Justice Insurance Reform Consumer Watchdog Gives HMO Regulator 10 Days to Order Reinstatement of Patients Whose Policies Have Been Illegally Cancelled http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19745 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19745

Santa Monica, CA -- Consumer Watchdog petitioned the state Department of Managed Health Care to announce within 10 days its plans regarding hundreds of patients who have been left uninsured, unisurable, and hundreds of thousands of...

 CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:45:01 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Health Insurer Accountability Relentless Fuel Price Spike Demands White House Action, Says Consumer Watchdog http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19718 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19718 Group Asks President to Deflate Oil Markets With Immediate Releases From Strategic Reserve
 
Santa Monica, CA -- As gasoline and diesel prices reached another daily record price today, Consumer Watchdog asked... Judy Dugan, 213-280-0175; or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 327 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:44:15 MST Press Release Energy Campaign Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Washington DC Gas Prices Consumer Watchdog Warns of New Medical Privacy Dangers in Wake of Breach of Farrah Fawcett and Maria Shriver Records at UCLA http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19658 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19658 Since 2006 Senator Calderon, Sponsor of Bill Allowing Invasions of Medical Privacy, Received $21,690 from Drug Companies and Pharmacies

Santa Monica,CA -- Breaches of medical privacy at UCLA Medical Center... CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319; or Judy Dugan, ext. 305 Tue, 8 Apr 2008 12:51:02 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Politicians Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Health Insurer Accountability Insurance Reform Sacramento Gallon of Regular Gasoline Spikes Nearly a Nickel in a Week, 17 Cents Since April 3 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19626 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19626 Refineries’ Profit Surge Comes On Top of Record Profits Reaped From High Oil Prices; Group Asks, “Where’s the White House? Where’s Congress?”

Santa Monica, CA -- At the accelerating rate... CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell 213-280-0175 Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:57:00 MST Press Release Energy Campaign legislation Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices Consumer Advocates Call for Refunds, Rate Reductions, For Allstate Policyholders After Company Releases Internal Documents Revealing It Intentionally Underpaid Customers http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19621 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19621 Documents Show Consumers Need Better Regulation of Insurance Industry; California Rate Cut Shows the Way
 
Santa Monica, CA -- Allstate, the nation’s second-largest insurance company, has released 150,000... CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522 ext. 309; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324 Mon, 7 Apr 2008 12:01:54 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Auto Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 Corporateering Campaign Access to Justice Insurance Reform California Senate Health Committee Approves Stem Cell Oversight Legislation http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19511 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19511 Unanimous Vote Comes After Consumer Watchdog Testimony in Support Of Bill

Sacramento, CA -- The California Senate Health Committee today unanimously approved a bill in the California Senate intended to reform the... CONTACT: John M. Simpson, 310-392-1902; cell: 310-292-1902 Wed, 2 Apr 2008 17:46:07 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Action on Medical Care Stem Cell Cures Ballot Initiatives Sacramento Consumer Advocate Testifies In Support of Stem Cell Oversight Legislation http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19497 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19497 Sacramento, CA -- In testimony to be delivered today before the Senate Health Committee, Consumer Watchdog (formerly The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights) backed a bill in the California Senate intended to reform the state stem cell... CONTACT: John M. Simpson, 310-392-1902; or cell: 310-292-1902 Wed, 2 Apr 2008 10:07:38 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Affordable Medicine Stem Cell Cures Ballot Initiatives Sacramento State Ethics Board To Investigate Assembly Speaker for $270K in Possible Campaign Violations http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/politicians/articles/?storyId=19465 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/politicians/articles/?storyId=19465

Investigation Responds to Consumer Watchdog’s Complaint That Núñez Used Nonprofit to Illegally Fundraise and Pay for Political Events

CONTACT: Carmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324 Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:32:00 MST Press Release Politicians Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Reforming Politics Campaign Finance Sacramento Fundraising Gasoline Prices Hit Records in U.S., 17 States; Congress Prepares to Question Oil Execs http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19431 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19431 Group Calls for Passage of Stalled Renewable Energy Bill, Oversight of Trading Markets

Gasoline pumps prices rose to yet another record today and over the weekend, both nationally and in at least 17 states (chart... Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:07:00 MST Press Release Energy Campaign legislation lobbying Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices Consumer Advocates Call for Governor To Make Good on His Promise to Protect Patients From Illegal Cancellations of Health Insurance http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19389 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19389

Health Care Regulators Accused in Hearing of "Glacial Pace" In Stopping Post-Claim Rescissions, Failing to Restore Coverage to Victims
 
California’s Department of Managed Health Care...

 CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, x305; or Jerry Flanagan, 310-889-4912 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:08:00 MST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Arnold Watch Corporateering Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Health Insurer Accountability Universal Health Care Insurance Reform Sacramento Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights Is Now Consumer Watchdog http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/courts/articles/?storyId=19250 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/courts/articles/?storyId=19250 Redesigned Website Is Public Forum For Dialogue On Consumer Rights

Santa Monica, CA -- The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) has changed its name to Consumer Watchdog.  The group, which was...

 CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext 309, or Jamie Court, (310) 874-9989 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:28:48 MST Press Release Courts Campaign Corporateering *Fighting Corporateering Corporateering Campaign vs. Government Corruption Access to Justice Rate Challenge Saves California Drivers with Allstate Auto Insurance One Quarter-Billion Dollars http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19227 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19227 Insurance Commissioner Orders Allstate to Lower Rates by 15.9% Under Prop. 103
 
Santa Monica, CA -- California drivers with Allstate auto insurance will save a quarter-billion dollars under an order issued by... CONTACT: Doug Heller (310) 392-0522, ext 309, or Carmen Balber, ext 324 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:34:00 MST Press Release legislation Insurance Campaign Auto Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 Insurance Reform Californians Say Aloha (in the Bye-Bye Sense) to Their Savings -- State Gasoline Price Tops Hawaii http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19149 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19149 California's Record Pump Price is $3.634, Usual Leader Hawaii Drops to $3.62 -- Group Praises Hawaii Effort to Expose Profits

Santa Monica, CA -- In a reversal of the usual gasoline price pattern, the isolated market...

 Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, x 305 (cell: 213 280-0175), or Jamie Court, x 327 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:32:10 MST Press Release Energy Campaign lobbying Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices Hot_Fuel Consumers' Suit Against AT&T for Abuses in Wake of Merger With Cingular Should Go Forward, Federal Court Told http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/courts/articles/?storyId=19148 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/courts/articles/?storyId=19148 AT&T's Ban on Class Actions is Unlawful, Customers Argue

Santa Monica, CA -- Cell phone customers who sued AT&T and Cingular over abuses in the companies’ 2004 merger are asking a federal court in Seattl...

 Doug Heller, 310-392-0522 x309, or Harvey Rosenfield x303 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:16:00 MST Press Release Courts Campaign Telecommunications Litigation Corporateering Campaign vs. Cell Hell Access to Justice Settlement of Lawsuits With Auto Club Affiliate Announced http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19095 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19095 Santa Monica, CA -- The insurance affiliate of the Automobile Club of Southern California (the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club) will issue $22.5 million in refunds to approximately 120,000 policyholders to resolve lawsuits brought... CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309, or Harvey Rosenfield ext. 303 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:35:43 MST Press Release Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Prop 103 Corporateering Enforcing Prop. 103 vs. Insurers Consumer Advocate Speaks Out Against Bill Allowing Invasions of Medical Privacy http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19075 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=19075 Author Received $21,000 from Bill Benefactors

SACRAMENTO, CA -- A consumer advocate will speak out against proposed legislation that would create a loophole in existing law which bars the sharing of private medical...

 CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, 310-392-0522, ext. 319 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:21:00 MST Press Release legislation lobbying Protecting Patients Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering Privacy *Keeping Politicians Honest HMO/PPO Abuse Reforming Politics Corporateering Campaign Health Insurer Accountability Campaign Finance Sacramento Daily Record Prices for Oil, Gasoline Hammer Consumers and U.S. Economy http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19008 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=19008 Group Calls for Swift Action to Curb, Regulate Energy Speculators, 'Today's Enron Rogues'

Santa Monica, CA -- Congress and President Bush must take joint action against the speculators who have driven oil and...

 By Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or Jamie Court, ext. 327 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:30:00 MST Press Release Energy Campaign legislation lobbying DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering *Keeping Politicians Honest *Fighting Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices Court Rejects Insurance Industry Attempt to Block Consumer Rate Challenges http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19025 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/articles/?storyId=19025 Consumer Group, Dep't of Insurance Win Victory to Protect Prop 103, Save Policyholders Billions

Santa Monica, CA -- Amendments to California insurance regulations implementing voter-approved Proposition 103's...

 CONTACT: Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309 Fri, 7 Mar 2008 17:23:00 PST Press Release Insurance Campaign Courts Campaign Litigation Auto Insurance Home Insurance Prop 103 *Going to Court Enforcing Prop. 103 vs. Insurers Access to Justice California Gasoline Price to Top All-Time Record As Speculators Drive Crude Oil Price to Near $104 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18897 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18897 U.S. Price Also Near Record; Group Demands Curbs on Speculation, Action on Oil Subsidies

Santa Monica, CA -- Spiking gasoline prices are pushing through state and national records, months shy of their usual peak, said...

 Posted By: Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, and Jamie Court, ext. 327 Mon, 3 Mar 2008 13:34:00 PST Press Release Energy Campaign legislation DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering Oil Watchdog Reforming Politics Holding Big Oil Accountable Closer Analysis Shows Consumer Groups Make Gains in Stem Cell Patent Challenges Against WARF http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18952 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18952 Appeal Still Planned Against Narrowed Claims

SANTA MONICA, CA -- Closer analysis of the patent office's decision on a human embryonic stem cell patent held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) shows the following...

 Posted By: John M. Simpson, 310-292-1902 (cell) Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:27:00 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Litigation Stem Cell Cures Consumer Groups Will Continue To Press Stem Cell Patent Challenge http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18851 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18851
SANTA MONICA, CA -- Two consumer groups said today that they will continue their challenge of three overreaching patents on human stem cells held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) despite a non-...
 Posted By: John M. Simpson, 310-392-1902 (cell) Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:17 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Stem Cell Cures Consumer Group Welcomes Introduction of Stem Cell Agency Oversight Bill http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18795 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18795
SANTA MONICA, CA -- The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) today welcomed the introduction of a bill in the California Senate intended to reform the state stem cell agency. ...
 By John M. Simpson, 310-392-1902 (cell) Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:43:00 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Affordable Medicine Action on Medical Care Safe & Affordable Rx Stem Cell Cures Consumer Victory as National 'Hot Fuel' Lawsuit Moves Forward on All Counts http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18773 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18773 Federal District Judge in Kansas City Refuses to Dismiss Suit Against Petroleum Marketers Alleging Deceptive Sale of Gasoline, Diesel Fuel

Santa Monica, CA -- The sale of "hot fuel" will bring a long, uncomfortable...

 CONTACT: Judy Dugan, 213-280-0175 (cell); Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 327 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:03:41 PST Press Release Energy Campaign Litigation Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gov. Schwarzenegger Must Follow Through on Call to Ban Blue Cross From Using Doctors as Double-Agents to Dump Sick Patients http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18697 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18697

NEWS RELEASE

Santa Monica, CA -- The...

 CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:08:00 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Arnold Watch *Protecting Patients Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse Consumer Advocates Call on Politicians to Explain Spending Campaign Funds on Calif. Golf, Casinos & Wineries http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/politicians/articles/?storyId=18695 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/politicians/articles/?storyId=18695 Requirement Should Be Added to Disclosure Rules Proposed by State Ethics Board

Santa Monica, CA -- Politicians would not have to explain trips to golf courses, wineries or casinos in California under new disclosure rules...

 CONTACT: Carmen Balber, (310) 403-0284 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:30:00 PST Press Release lobbying Politicians Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Arnold Watch Corporateering Reforming Politics Campaign Finance Sacramento Consumer Group Finds Use of Outdated Data and Other Major Flaws In Economist's Defense of Mandatory Purchase of Private Health Insurance http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18661 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18661
NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Santa Monica, CA -- A consumer group today released a critique of a report by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber supporting mandatory purchase of private insurance... Jerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 9:46:29 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign *Protecting Patients Action on Medical Care HMO/PPO Abuse 'Crisis Management' PR Firm's Advice To Stem Cell Agency Laundered Through Law Firm To Avoid Scrutiny http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=11103 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=11103

NEWS RELEASE
February 7, 2008

CONTACT:...

 J.M.Simpson Thu, 7 Feb 2008 10:12:36 PST Press Release legislation DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering *Protecting Patients *Fighting Corporateering Reforming Politics 'Crisis Management' PR Firm's Advice To Stem Cell Agency Laundered Through Law Firm To Avoid Scrutiny http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18647 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=18647 John M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, ext. 317, or cell: 310-292-1902 Thu, 7 Feb 2008 9:55:32 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Legacy Content BP, 'Bumbling Petroleum,' is Exception to Profit Boom; Group Warns Against Cutting Safety as it Sheds Jobs http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=10940 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=10940 Yearly 2008 Profit Total for Big Five Oil Companies Still Hits $114 Billion, Picking Consumer Pockets Around the World

Santa Monica, CA -- BP, the third-largest of the major private oil companies, capped off...

 By Judy Dugan, 213-280-0175; or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, x327, or 310-874-9989 Tue, 5 Feb 2008 10:11:00 PST Press Release Energy Campaign DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering *Fighting Corporateering Oil Watchdog Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices Chevron, Exxon Record Profits Reaped At Cost To Sliding Economy, Strapped Consumers; Group Calls for Market Oversight http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18634 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=18634

FTCR Also Releases "Oil Profit Monster"; Free Public Database Of Each Company's Profits Since 2000 Will Be Updated Quarterly

 Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:30:58 PST Press Release Energy Campaign Legacy Content Shell's Record Profit Is a Thumb In the Eye of Recession-Wracked Nation, Says Group http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=10834 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/articles/?storyId=10834 Yearly Profits of Oil Industry Will Nearly Equal Treasury Cost of Federal Economic Stimulus Package

Santa Monica, CA -- The record run of 2007 oil profits, which came as the U.S. economy slid into recession and consumer debt...

 Judy Dugan, cell: 213-280-0175, or 310-392-0522, x305; or Jamie Court, x327 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:14:00 PST Press Release Energy Campaign lobbying Electricity DirtyMoneyWatch Corporateering *Cheaper, Cleaner Energy *Fighting Corporateering Oil Watchdog The Power Grid Fighting the Power Companies Holding Big Oil Accountable Gas Prices PacifiCare Violations and $1.33 Billion Fine is Result of 2005 Merger with UnitedHealth Inc; Cautionary Tale for Future Mergers http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=16144 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=16144

Cautionary Tale for Future Mergers

 Jerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 319 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:33:42 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Legacy Content California Senate Stops Mandatory Health Insurance Plan http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=12744 http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=12744

Statement of FTCR President Jamie Court

This afternoon the California Senate Health Committee stopped the mandatory private health insurance plan backed by Governor Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. The legislation failed to limit how much policyholders would have to pay or define the benefits they would receive.

Jamie Court - 310-392-0522 x327 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:34:51 PST Press Release Protecting Patients Campaign Legacy Content