FTCR Press Release2007-12-20 13:31:55 PSTen-us15Consumer & Public Interest Groups Back New U.S. Patent Rules That Would Curtail Abusive Behavior By Applicantshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=90482007-12-20 13:21:05 PSTJohn M. SimpsonHealthcare Labor & Medical Industry Give 56% of Prop 93 $$ to Win Concessions in Health Care Legislation;Núñez Deal Would Force Consumers to Buy Health Insurance With No Limit on Price or Promise of Meaningful Benefits; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=90092007-12-17 13:17:49 PSTJamie Court, (310) 392-0522, ext. 327, or Carmen Balber, ext. 324 Healthcare Stem Cell Agency "Disclosure" Makes Mockery of Claims Of Openness And Transparency;Institute Reveals Identities of 12 Institutions Seeking $260 Million In Laboratory Grants; Five Still Secret; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=89882007-12-14 14:34:56 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare Consumer Advocates Urge Tough Rules to End Unrestricted Political Spending;Ethics Board Proposes Travel, Meal Disclosures to Close Spending Loophole; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=89482007-12-13 12:30:20 PSTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522, ext. 324 Corporate Accountability Stem Cell Agency Finally Reveals Institutions Involved In Conflict Problem;After Public Pressure, Five Research Institutions Are Identified During Grant Award Discussion; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=89072007-12-12 15:19:53 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare Double-Digit Rate Increases Expected Under Mass. Mandatory Health Law -- 5% Cap on Rate Hikes Proposed;California Labor Poised to Sell Out Consumers with Unaffordable Mandate; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88852007-12-11 11:44:22 PSTJamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 327, or Carmen Balber, ext. 324, or Jerry Flanagan, ext. 319 Healthcare Fair Political Practices Commission Will Investigate Stem Cell Conflict Of Interesthttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/pr/?postId=88822007-12-10 15:41:57 PSTContact: John M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Categories Stem Cell Institute Correct In Rejecting Applications Over Conflicts Of Interest;Institutions, Board Members Involved Must Be Identified, Consumer Advocates Say ; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/pr/?postId=88772007-12-07 13:30:13 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Categories New Conflict of Interest Violations Revealed At California Stem Cell Institute;Tainted Research Grant Applications Must Be Rejected, Consumer Advocates Say; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88742007-12-07 11:51:01 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare Farmers Insurance Asks Commissioner Poizner for Homeowners Rate Hike Based on Great Customer Service, Despite Lower Than Average Customer Service Ranking;California Consumer Group Challenges Farmers' Attempt to Overcharge California Homeowners One-Quarter $Billion a Year; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=88702007-12-06 13:24:30 PSTCarmen Balber (310) 392-0522, ext. 324 Insurance Close Scrutiny Needed As First Stem Cell Grants Offered To For-Profit Companies, Consumers Say http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88342007-11-30 14:21:42 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare Stem Cell Chairman Robert Klein And Oversight Board Member John Reed Must Resign Because of Conflict of Interest, Consumer Advocate Tells Controller's Committee;Controller Chiang Will Refer Conflict Issue To FPPC; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88282007-11-27 10:23:08 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare California Stem Cell Board Member Violates Conflict Rules, Should Resign From Committee, Consumer Group Says;FTCR Files Complaint About Burnham's John Reed with Fair Political Practices Commission; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88202007-11-21 09:01:29 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Healthcare UC Deal With Oil Giant Sells Out University's Values; Insults Regents and Public, Consumer Advocates Say;New Details Emerge Granting BP More Power Over University Research; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=88092007-11-14 15:22:03 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317; or cell: 310-292-1902Energy Consumer Group to Núñez: Massachusetts Mandatory Health Insurance Purchase Law Is No Model for Californiahttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=88082007-11-14 12:55:39 PSTJerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 ¿ cell; or Carmen Balber, (310) 403-0284 - cellHealthcare New Evidence That Poizner Aide Destroyed Key Document In Attempt to Help Industry;Industry's Strength In Department of Insurance At Issue As Commissioner Announces New General Counsel Hired From State Farm's Law Firm ; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=88072007-11-14 11:58:39 PSTHarvey Rosenfield, (310) 392-0522 ext. 303; or Doug Heller, ext. 309 Insurance Núñez Health Reform Bill Establishes Mandatory Purchase Without Linking To Subsidies For Middle Class and Poorhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87922007-11-13 13:03:35 PSTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319; or Judy Dugan, ext. 305Healthcare The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Núñez/Perata Health Planhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87682007-11-06 14:06:10 PSTJerry Flanagan, 310-392-0522, ext. 319; or Jamie Court, ext. 327; or Judy Dugan, ext. 305Healthcare Mandatory Purchase Deal Is Giveaway to Big Health Insurers & Unfair Burden on Middle Class Without Premium Regulation;Health Insurers, Which Have Donated Millions to Lawmakers, Would Gain Big Profits Under Democrats Reported Proposal; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87632007-11-05 18:10:04 PSTDoug Heller (310) 480-4170, or Carmen Balber (310) 403-0284Healthcare Gasoline Price Spike Heralds Economy-Busting Christmas 'Present' For Oil Companies Price for Regular Up 14 Cents Nationally, to $3.01, In One Week; No More 'Profit Restraint' for Big Oil, Says Watchdog; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87622007-11-05 16:17:08 PSTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175Energy Consumer Advocates Support Patent Office On Stem Cell Patent Rejectionhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87562007-11-05 13:24:29 PSTJohn M. Simpson, FTCR: 310-392-0522, ext. 317, or cell: 310-292-1902; or Dan Ravicher, Public Patent Foundation: 212-796-0571Healthcare Allstate Threatens to Leave Auto Market, Degrade Service in CA, Unless Motorists Continue Paying Excessive Premiums;Despite Staggering Profits, Allstate Continues to Battle Regulatory Requirement to Lower Its Auto Insurance Rates More Than $300 Million Per Year; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/legal/pr/?postId=87892007-11-05 08:53:00 PSTDoug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324Legal Department Allstate Threatens to Leave Auto Market, Degrade Service in CA, Unless Motorists Continue Paying Excessive Premiums;Despite Staggering Profits, Allstate Continues to Battle Regulatory Requirement to Lower Its Auto Insurance Rates More Than $300 Million Per Year; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=87882007-11-05 08:48:00 PSTDoug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324Insurance Chevron Still On Pace For Record Annual Profit;Consumer Group Warns Of $4+ Gasoline As Chevron & Others Return To High Refining Profits In Spring '08; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87532007-11-02 12:06:00 PSTJudy Dugan, 213-280-0175Energy Perspective on Exxon: $9.4 Billion Quarterly Profit Only $2 Billion Shy of 2002 Yearly Profit;Group Slams "New Normal" Set By Years of Record Profits, Predicts $4-Plus Gasoline in Spring; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87402007-11-01 11:48:30 PSTJudy Dugan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 305, cell: (213) 280-0175; or Tim Hamilton, (360) 495-4941Energy Poizner Aide Helped Insurers In Lawsuit Against Commissioner, Emails Show;Consumer Group Says Aide, a Former Insurance Lobbyist, Should Be Fired ; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=87352007-11-01 09:35:42 PSTHarvey Rosenfield, (310) 392-0522, ext. 303; or Doug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309 Insurance Consumer Advocates Insist UC Regents Review $500 Million "UC-BP" Deal; Demand Proposed Contract Terms Be Made Publichttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87322007-10-31 12:43:51 PSTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Energy Governor's Health Plan Hides the True Cost of a Mandatory Purchase Requirement, Testimony Showshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87312007-10-31 12:37:05 PSTJerry Flanagan, Sacramento - cell: (310) 889-4912; or Jamie Court, (310) 392-0522, ext. 327; or Judy Dugan, ext. 305Healthcare FTCR: Gas Prices Spiking On Speculators' Hot Airhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87272007-10-29 08:47:00 PSTJudy Dugan, 213-280-0175, or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 305Energy Insurance Aftermath of California Wildfires: What Consumers, Lawmakers and Regulators Should Look Out Forhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=87192007-10-25 14:00:10 PDTDouglas Heller, 310-392-0522, ext. 319, or cell: 310-480-4170; or Carmen Balber, ext. 324, or cell: 310-403-0284Insurance Consumer Advocate Confronts Chevron Chief Executive Over Soaring Gasoline Prices With "Golden Nozzle Award"http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87182007-10-25 11:18:31 PDTJohn M. Simpson, 310-392-0522, x317, or cell: 310-292-1902Energy Consumers Call On Interstate Stem Cell Group To Endorse Open Meetingshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87112007-10-24 10:06:39 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or cell: (310) 292-1902Healthcare Draft Rules Won't Stop Insurers' Illegal Cancellations of Health Policies;Rules Compound Problems With Governor's Mandatory Health Insurance Plan; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=87102007-10-23 12:54:45 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319; or cell: (310) 889-4912Healthcare BP Profit Drop Just a Pause in Windfall Profits, Says Consumer Group;Company Warned Not to Skimp on Safety, Environmental Protections to Cut Costs; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=87092007-10-23 12:40:58 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell, 213-280-0175, or Tim Hamilton, 360-495-4941Energy Giuliani Leaps Past $500,000 Mark in Big Oil Contributions;All Presidential Candidates Should Return Oil Industry's "Dirty Money," Says Watchdog Group; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=86942007-10-19 11:51:13 PDTJudy Dugan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 305 Energy California's HMO "Report Card" Fails In Meaningful Evaluation of Health Care Quality and Ignores Affordabilityhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=86892007-10-18 13:53:58 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319, or Judy Dugan, ext. 305Healthcare Spike in Crude Oil Price to $88/Barrel Without New Run-Up in Pump Price Exposes Oil Industry Deception, Profiteering;Oil Companies' Claim That Crude Oil Costs Drive Gasoline Price Makes No Sense With Today's Barrel Prices Up More Than 40% Over Spring, When Pump Prices Hit $3.25/Gallon; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=86832007-10-16 15:04:32 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175Energy Massachusetts Mandatory Health Insurance Purchase Law Is No Model for Californiahttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=86762007-10-12 12:35:35 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912Healthcare Governor's Mandatory Purchase of Private Health Insurance Doesn't Add Up for the Middle-Classhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=86682007-10-09 16:18:44 PDTJerry Flanagan, 310-889-4912 (cell), or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 327Healthcare Revised California Stem Cell Research Rules Fail to Ensure Affordable Access to Cures, Consumers Warnhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=86442007-10-08 12:15:54 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or cell: (310) 292-1902Healthcare Rally, T-shirts Warn Cal Could Become "UC-BP";$500 Million BP Deal Near Completion As Big Oil Pumps Money Into Colleges; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=86322007-10-04 12:49:26 PDTJohn M. Simpson, cell 310-292-2902 or Jamie Court, (310)-392-0522, ext. 327Energy Insurance Industry Outnumbered Consumer Advocates 5 to 0 At Congressional Hearing on Insurance Oversight;Insurers Top Donor to Committee Chair Kanjorski ; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=86312007-10-04 12:31:35 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324 Insurance 'Human Rights' Not Part of Chevron 'Human Energy' Advertising Campaign;Watchdog Group's Letter Calls on CEO to Dump Myanmar Gas Fields that Fund Brutal Dictatorship; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=86102007-10-01 14:01:56 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, cell: 213-280-0175 Energy Chevron's $15 Million Ads, $15 Billion Stock Buyback Are P.R. Greenwashing, Stockholder Appeasement, Says Watchdog Group;Oil Giant Touts Necessity of Oil for "Foreseeable Future," Yet Would Cut Back Refinery Expansion; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=86082007-09-28 14:52:11 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, x305, or cell: 213-280-0175Energy Big Oil U Pilloried On "Boston Legal" Season Premiere;$500 Million BP Deal at Berkeley Near Completion; Oil Dollars Flow to Colleges Across the USA; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=85932007-09-26 13:31:33 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or (310) 292-1902, cellEnergy Núñez and Legislators Urged to Oppose Mandatory Purchase of Private Health Insurancehttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=85922007-09-26 13:18:57 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319 Healthcare Governor's Office Ducks Testimony About $17 Million Deal With Schwarzenegger Donor General Motors;State Audit, Subpoenas Called For If Gov Won't Come Clean; "Governor Schwarzenegger seems determined to hide the truth, but a $17 million contract awarded to one of his oldest supporters can't be ignored. Taxpayers have a right to know if strings were pulled for the governor's donors. A state audit and Senate subpoenas are the only remaining options if he refuses to come clean about the extent of their relationship," said Carmen Balber with FTCR.http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=85902007-09-25 13:02:38 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324 Corporate Accountability "Mandatory Purchase" Health Insurance Proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger and Senator Clinton Would Force 13 Million Californians to Buy Unaffordable Coveragehttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=85572007-09-20 13:08:21 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare Consumer Group Challenges Rep. Darrell Issa On "Hot Fuel" Ripoff of Motorists;Congressman Stands By Scientifically Inaccurate FTC "Opinion Letter," Despite Withdrawal and Apology; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=85472007-09-18 10:11:31 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175, or Jamie Court, ext. 327, or cell: 310-874-9989Energy Consumer Group: Hillary Clinton's Mandatory Health Insurance Purchase Plan is An Act of War on the Middle Class Family That Can't Afford $12K Policy;Clinton Takes Over $1 Million From Insurers, Would Force All Americans to Buy Private Coverage; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=85352007-09-17 12:09:36 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319, or Jamie Court, ext. 327Healthcare Gov. Schwarzenegger Urged to Veto Fake 'Consumer Protection' on Hot Fuel Rip-off;Foundation Says Legislation, AB868, Will Delay or Prevent Fair Sales of Gasoline; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=85322007-09-17 09:56:00 PDTJudy Dugan, 213-280-0175 (cell), or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522 ext. 327Energy Cost of Family Health Coverage Tops $12K, Need for Insurer Rate Regulation Is Clear;Health Insurance Premiums Up 78% Since 2001 While Insurers Report Record Profits; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=85272007-09-12 14:27:47 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 319Healthcare Health Insurance Industry Contributions to Politicians Block Regulation, Affordability in Health Care Debate;New Analysis Shows $4 Million from Top Health Insurers and HMOs; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84892007-09-10 13:34:42 PDTJamie Court (310) 392-0522, ext. 327, or Carmen Balber ext. 324 Healthcare FTC Slammed For 'Illiterate Science' and Political Interference In Its Official Opinion Opposing "Hot Fuel" Fix;Truckers, Consumer Group Demand To Know Rep. Darrell Issa's Role in Generating Federal Trade Commission Opinion; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=84872007-09-10 10:47:37 PDTJohn Siebert, OOIDA, 816 229-5791, or Judy Dugan, FTCR & OilWatchdog.org, 213-280-0175Energy Hospitals Agree To Pay Fees In Exchange For More Income, But Consumers In the Dark About What They'll Be Charged Under Núñez Planhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84712007-09-06 16:04:06 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912; or Jamie Court, (310) 392-0522 ext. 327; or Judy Dugan ext. 305Healthcare "USE IT AND LOSE IT" - Farmers Insurance Refunds $1.4 Million to California Homeowners, Will Pay $2 Million Fine in Settlement with FTCR, Department of Insurance;Consumer Group Calls on Insurance Commissioner to Expand Investigation, Issue New Rules; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=84702007-09-06 14:01:11 PDTDoug Heller, (310) 392-0522, ext. 309Insurance The 7 Key Questions About the Schwarzenegger/Núñez Health Care Compromisehttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84672007-09-05 13:21:31 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319; or Jamie Court ext. 327; or Judy Dugan ext. 305Healthcare Labor Day Weekend Gives Oil Companies Another Dip Into DC Drivers' Wallets Because of "Hot Fuel";Consumer Group Urges Support for Senate "Fair Fuel" Proposal (S.1997), Now Under Fire By Oil Companies, Distributors; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=84592007-08-30 13:30:07 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305 or cell, 213-280-0175, or Jamie Court, cell: 310-874-9989 (ISDN connection available, TV interviews via satellite by appointment through Friday)Energy Consumer Group Calls Regulator "Complicit" in Illegal Insurer Cancellations;Cites 9 Month Delay for New Regulations to Curb the Practice; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84542007-08-28 11:52:53 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare OilWatchdog.Org Demands Consumer Voice in Debate Over Fixing "Hot Fuel" Ripoff of Drivers -- New Free Stickers Warn of Hot Fuel Rip-off;Regulatory Group Welcomes Industry Groups, Lobbyists as Members, Yet Few Consumers Know It Exists; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=84512007-08-28 09:37:13 PDTJudy Dugan, 213 280-0175 (cell)Energy Núñez Health Reform Must Be Opened to Public Debatehttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84372007-08-27 12:19:47 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare Court, In Consumer Setback, Says Key Protection Law Doesn't Apply to Insurance Companies;Insurance Not a "Good or Service," So Fraud Claim Against Farmers Insurance Cannot Proceed; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=84342007-08-23 13:07:09 PDTHarvey Rosenfield, (310) 392-0522, ext. 303 Insurance Assembly Speaker's Promised Action to Curb Gasoline Price Spikes Fails as Chevron Money Flows, Says Letter;Group Asks State Watchdogs to Investigate Over-sized Contribution Linked to Núñez; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=84332007-08-23 11:28:36 PDTJamie Court, (310) 392-0522 ext. 327, or Judy Dugan, ext. 305Energy New Health Reform Proposal Falls Short for Consumers;FTCR Calls On Núñez to Fix Flaws Which Could Increase Costs and Leave Californians Without Dependable Coverage; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=84312007-08-22 15:13:16 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare Consumer Advocates Help Defeat Allstate's Efforts to Hide its Post-Katrina Pay-Out Procedureshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=83952007-08-20 15:34:12 PDTDoug Heller - 310-392-0522 x309Insurance Consumer Advocates Praise Interstate Stem Cell Open Meeting Decisionhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=83842007-08-17 11:10:01 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or (310) 292-1902, cellHealthcare Civil Rights Leaders To Intel: Stop Your Attack On Californians' Civil Rights;Intel-Backed Ballot Measure Would Limit Class Action Lawsuits to End Racial and Other Discrimination; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=83822007-08-16 11:34:21 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324 Corporate Accountability Consumer Advocates Warn Dynes Legacy Must Not Be Commercialization of UC Systemhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=83752007-08-13 14:32:39 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or (310) 292-1902, cellEnergy Political Reform Laws Face Sacramento Attacks;Three Bills Would Weaken Reform; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/advocacy/pr/?postId=83712007-08-13 10:32:01 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324Citizen Advocacy ExxonMobil's Pump Labels Are Clue to "Hot Fuel" Ripoff;New Stickers Are No Substitute for a Fair Gallon of Gasoline At a Fair Price, Says Group ; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=83312007-08-09 10:22:01 PDTJudy Dugan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 305, or cell 213 280-0175, or Jamie Court, ext. 327Energy Consumer Advocates Call On Stem Cell Board To Lift Shroud of Secrecy On Building Grantshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=83202007-08-08 17:07:18 PDTJohn M. Simpson (310) 392-0522, ext. 317, or (310) 292-1902, cellHealthcare Regulators Investigate Patient Complaints of Blue Cross Rate Increases, Denials of Care That Violate 2004 Merger Deal;Group Uncovers $6.5 billion in Out-of-State Profit Transfers; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=83112007-08-07 09:43:17 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 (cell); or Jamie Court, (310) 392-0522, ext. 319Healthcare Consumer Advocates Oppose Allstate Insurance Company's Efforts To Hide Its Post-Katrina Pay-Out Procedureshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=82982007-08-06 10:19:53 PDTDeborah Mathis, Public Justice, (202) 797-8600, ext. 246, or Harvey Rosenfield, Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, (310) 392-0522, ext. 303Insurance PPO Health Care 'Report Cards' Announced Today Must Provide Meaningful Evaluation of Quality and Cost, Unlike Current HMO 'Dining Guide'http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=82972007-08-06 10:15:38 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare Congress Takes Reins on "Hot Fuel" Ripoff of Motorists;Bill By Sen. McCaskill Requires Honest Compensation for Gasoline Energy Loss at High Temperatures; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=82962007-08-03 14:02:27 PDTJudy Dugan, 213-280-0175 (cell), or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522, ext. 327Energy Mass. Insurance Commissioner Plan Would Allow Discrimination in Sale of Auto Insurance10 Consumer Groups Send Letter Denouncing Plan to Commissioner Burnes, Governor Patrick; Massachusetts drivers will be unfairly denied auto insurance unless the state continues its long-standing ban on unfair and discriminatory insurance practices, said the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) today in a letter sent by 10 consumer, civil rights and low-income advocacy groups to Governor Patrick Deval and the Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner...http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=82732007-08-01 11:45:30 PDTCarmen Balber - 310-392-0522 x324Insurance Chevron Record Profit Driven by Refining Profits Up 41% in US, 30% Overall, On Record Gasoline Prices;Group Sees "Profit From Failure" in Oil Industry's Refining Records Despite Lower Production; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=82332007-07-27 11:33:44 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175, or John Simpson, ext. 317Energy Record Pump Prices Give Exxon Record Refining Profits, More than $10 Billion Total Earnings;Group Calls for Refinery Investigations, Oversight to Control "Hurricane Prices" After Exxon, Shell Profit Reports; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=82132007-07-26 12:45:08 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, cell: 213-280-0175, or John Simpson, ext. 317Energy BP's 2nd Quarter Refining Windfall Shores Up Lower Profit Elsewhere;Rest of Big Oil Will Show Same Pattern Of More Money From Making Less Gasoline, Says Group; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81922007-07-24 13:45:21 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175Energy Cell Phone Rebate Lawsuit Against Cingular/AT&T May Proceed, Court Rules;Firm Advertises Cash "Rebate" But Sends "Reward Card"; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=81912007-07-24 13:34:47 PDTHarvey Rosenfield, (310) 392-0522 ext. 303 Corporate Accountability "The Katrina Syndrome": Study Finds Oil Refiners' Inventory Cuts Generated 2007 Price Spikes;Investigation, Oversight of Refinery Operations & Profits Is Urgent, Says Group; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81792007-07-23 11:46:38 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522 ext. 305, or Doug Heller, ext. 309, or Tim Hamilton, 360-495-4941Energy Audit Needed to Probe Contracts to Schwarzenegger Backers; General Motors Won Exclusive Deal After Gift to Gov; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=81762007-07-19 11:31:52 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522, ext. 324Corporate Accountability ExxonMobil Pump Decals Will Admit "Hot Fuel" Ripoff to Consumers;Group Demands the Next Step: Fix the Problem; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81722007-07-17 13:59:49 PDTJudy Dugan, 310-392-0522, ext. 305, or cell: 213-280-0175Energy Analysis of Health Insurance Industry Contributions to CA Legislature and Governor Released;Explains Why Premium Regulation Failed, Employee Mandate Passed Last Night; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=81602007-07-12 11:33:00 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319, or Jamie Court, ext. 327Healthcare 'Hot Fuel' Issue Lands Back in Congress As Weights and Measures Group Fails to Act;Majority of Expert Body's Voters Approves a Fix, But It Fails on Technicality: Issue Tossed Back to Congress; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81582007-07-11 16:20:46 PDTJudy Dugan, 310 392-0522 ext. 305, or cell, 213 280-0175, or Jamie Court, ext. 327Energy Regulators Investigate Excessive Blue Cross Profits and Illegal Cash Transfers As Senate Votes on Bill To Regulate Health Insurance Premiums, Profit, Overhead;Consumers & Advocates Suffering Double-Digit Rate Increases Call For Affordability Bill; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=81572007-07-11 15:06:00 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 889-4912 ? cell, or Jamie Court, (310) 392-0522 ext. 327Healthcare Public Records Reveal Energy Industry-Funded European Junket Emphasized Emissions Cap & Trade Programs to Gov's Greenhouse Gas Regulatorshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81472007-07-06 12:51:27 PDTCarmen Balber (310) 392-0522 ext. 324 Energy California Gas Stations Admit 'Hot Fuel' RipoffRefiner Tesoro to Put Decal on Pumps After Lawsuits; Group Calls on Chain to Take Next Step and Sell Temperature-Compensated Fuel; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=81332007-07-02 10:43:00 PDTJudy Dugan (310) 392-0522, ext. 305 or 213 280-0175 (cell), or Jamie Court, (310) 392-0522, ext. 327Energy Consumer Groups File Comments Supporting U.S. Patent Office's Stem Cell Patent Rejection;University of Wisconsin Affiliate Has Narrowed Claims; Four Leading Scientists Agree Work Was "Obvious"; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=81182007-07-02 10:33:52 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317 or cell: (310) 292-1902, or Dan Ravicher, (212)-796-0571Healthcare New "iPhone" Policies Needed, Consumer Advocates Warn Apple, AT&T; Questions Raised About Battery Replacement, Cancellation Practices in Letter to Apple CEO Jobs; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporate/pr/?postId=81142007-06-29 13:00:56 PDTHarvey Rosenfield, (310) 392-0522, ext. 303Corporate Accountability Big Oil Calls Halt to Lower Prices;Lower Gasoline Supply Will Lead to Upward Price Turn, Says Group; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=80982007-06-27 18:22:41 PDTJudy Dugan, 310 392-0522 x305Energy California Legislators Missed Opportunity To Protect Consumer Interests With Stem Cell Billhttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=80962007-06-26 11:57:05 PDTJohn Simpson, 310-392-0522,ext. 317; 310-292-1902, cellHealthcare Nunez/Perata Joint Health Care Proposal Still Lacks Affordability & Accesshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=80952007-06-21 16:47:09 PDTJerry Flanagan, (310) 392-0522 ext. 319Healthcare CA. Assembly Awakens to Gasoline Crisis, Passes Consumer-Friendly Bills;Group Urges Senate Leader to Resist Oil Companies, Take a Stand for Full Passage; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=80942007-06-21 16:40:54 PDTJudy Dugan, (310) 392-0522, ext. 305Energy BP Foundation?s $7.5 million Grant To Stanford Came After Favorable Research Articlehttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=80922007-06-21 13:15:50 PDTJohn M. Simpson, (310) 392-0522, ext. 317;(310) 292-1902 (cell)Energy Elizabeth Edwards Speaks To Power, Poverty, Public Service and Paris At 2007 Rage for Justice Awardshttp://www.consumerwatchdog.org/pr/?postId=80842007-06-18 10:05:25 PDTJamie Court - 310-392-0522 x327Categories FTCR Obtains Hearings Into Proposed Earthquake Rate Increases;Challenges Under Voter-Approved Prop 103 Could Save $50 Million for 110,000 Fireman's Fund and Geo Vera Policyholders; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/legal/pr/?postId=81112007-06-15 15:53:00 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324, or Pamela Pressley, ext. 307Legal Department FTCR Obtains Hearings Into Proposed Earthquake Rate Increases;Challenges Under Voter-Approved Prop 103 Could Save $50 Million for 110,000 Fireman's Fund and Geo Vera Policyholders; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/pr/?postId=80822007-06-15 11:29:44 PDTCarmen Balber, (310) 392-0522 ext. 324, or Pamela Pressley, ext. 307Insurance Congress Sees Motorists Cheated By "Hot Fuel" During Summer Driving Season;Group Urges Honest Measurement of Gasoline to Stop $1.5 Billion Ripoff; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=80772007-06-08 11:51:28 PDTJudy Dugan, (cell) 213-280-0175, or Jamie Court, 310-392-0522 ext. 327Energy Regulation of Rising Health Insurance Rates Passes Assembly;Bill By Asm. Dave Jones Is 'The Proposition 103 of Health Care'; http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/pr/?postId=80732007-06-07 17:27:53 PDTJerry Flanagan, cell: 310-889-4912, or Carmen Balber, 310-392-0522 ext. 324, or Judy Dugan, 310-392-0522 ext. 305Healthcare