CFC in the News

Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, called the ruling "a gift to online businesses that have demonstrated a callous disregard for customer privacy."

Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, was joined by Richard Holober, Consumer Federation of California, and representatives from The Utility Reform Network (TURN), at a press conference today to unveil legislation that would prohibit the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from giving away millions of dollars in ratepayer money to third parties without oversight and transparency.

"It is important that we empower the CPUC to hold public hearings and engage in rigorous reviews of mergers that may impact consumer rates and access to reliable services," said Richard Holober, Consumer Federation of California.

The defeat of Prop 33 sends a loud message that Californians are not easily hoodwinked into supporting corporate self-enrichment schemes, no matter how much is spent to mislead voters.

KTVU FOX TV 2, San Francisco, CA: Richard Holober discusses the false promise of Prop 33, which "would allow for a fourth factor that is not connected to risk" to raise rates.

35 daily newspaper editorial boards urge readers to vote NO on Proposition 33, an automobile insurance rate hike scheme funded by George Joseph, billionaire owner of Mercury Insurance.

Props 32 and 33 will hurt working people, but the two reclusive billionaires have refused to step out of the shadows and defend their measures, preferring to hide behind advertising campaigns fronted by PR firms.

The voter guide lists the recommendations of several leading statewide progressive organizations, along with a quick summary of each proposition.

Prop 33 allows insurance companies to raise rates on motorists with perfect driving records. If voters buy this lemon, millions of law-abiding Californians will see a new surcharge on their auto insurance premium bills. Proposition 33 carves a loophole in state insurance law, banning regulatory review of this new rate hike.

...questioned why Mercury Insurance founder and chairman refused to testify and be questioned about his motives. The legislature refused to allow the life-size photograph of Joseph writing an $8.5m check to the Prop 33 campaign into the hearing room.

Consumer Watchdog and the Consumer Federation of California ask, Do you have the courage to appear and justify your positions? We ask you to take this step and engage in a real debate.

An initiative that would allow auto insurers to base their prices on previous coverage is pitting an executive at one of the largest insurance companies against consumer advocacy groups.

Jones and the Consumer Federation of California claim insurance companies are working behind the scenes at the capitol to weaken consumer protection laws at the last minute of the legislative session.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones held a news conference today with the Consumer Federation of California ... to discuss two bills that would strip consumers of longstanding protections.

In an attempt to deny voters access to arguments against his self-serving ballot initiative, Mercury Insurance Company billionaire George Joseph and his Prop 33 campaign consultants have filed a lawsuit to hide the cost of Prop 33 from voters.

The Consumer Federation of California backs the three bills as an appropriate defense against predatory lending, according to its Web site.

Consumer advocates opposing Prop 33, including Consumer Federation of California and Consumer Watchdog, say it is another trick to raise insurance rates for millions of responsible drivers.

On Tuesday, the California Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider legislation (AB 439) that would limit a state health data privacy law, Healthcare IT News reports.

"This is an outrage," said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. Holober says when customers cannot get results, they should make as much noise as possible.

...the bill is stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee due to opposition from the Consumer Federation of California, which says it would create "a vague standard that invites mislabeling," and Consumer Attorneys of California, which contends that California is best served by having its own, higher standard.

The Consumer Federation of California argues that Citizens for Fire Safety, funded by three makers of fire retardant chemicals - Albemarle, ICL Industrial Products and Chemtura - violated a state law prohibiting lobbyists from deceiving lawmakers.

Richard Holober of the Consumer Federation of California commented on DirecTV and their auto-renew policies. "It's a very sleazy way that products are sold...If they get one extra year out of you that you didn’t plan to pay for, they’ve made a lot of money off that."

SB 1161 is actually the most anti-consumer bill ever introduced in California because it permits the telecom industry to dictate the terms of its own regulation, or as the case would have it, deregulation.

CFC's Richard Holober talks with Michael Finney about the chemical flame retardant deception and the Chicago Tribune's recent investigative bombshell.

"SB 1161 is a stealth vehicle for the gradual deregulation of telecommunications in California," the Consumer Federation of California declared on their website. "Consumers need the CPUC to have the power to investigate complaints of bad service or unfair charges on bills, regardless of the technology used to provide phone service."

"An obsolete CA. regulation...de facto forces companies to use toxic chemicals in their products..." comments Richard Holober of Consumer Federation of California.

...Fletcher has racked up a predictably Republican voting record, scoring low ratings in recent years from the Sierra Club Foundation (30%)...the Consumer Federation of California (18%), and Planned Parenthood (0%).

State regulators should have the power to veto health insurance industry attempts to unjustifiably gouge consumers. The California State legislature should immediately support this effort to rein in rising premiums costs – a step already taken by 36 states.

SB 1208 is supported by Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment; Consumer Federation of California; California Labor Federation; California Nurses Association; California Professional Firefighters; and California School Employees Association.

"Financial commitments made to top corporate executives when they retire are not just one-time payments, they literally continue for a lifetime," said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California.

Backers include consumer organizations - including the Center for Responsible Lending, Consumer Federation of California, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, and Consumer Attorneys of California.

Major telecommunications corporations, including AT&T and Verizon, have supported the bill, and would stand to benefit the most from its passage.

"We see this as a withering away and the elimination of PUC regulation over telecommunication," said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. "We think that would be bad public policy."

Consumers Union, the Consumer Federation of California, AARP California and the California Broadband Policy Network are among the bill's foes.

"SB 990 would undermine consumer protection in order to enhance the profits of a single out-of-state company," said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California. "Carfax would undoubtedly benefit from this legislation, but it would be categorically unsafe for consumers."

...Carfax data are limited and questionable given the company reveals few details about its gathering due to proprietary rights. Others opposed include...the Consumer Federation of California and Consumer Watchdog.

Debt buyers will be prohibited from getting a legal judgment against consumers -- or sending any written material to consumers -- unless they can document that they've matched the right person to the debt.

SB 890 is supported by the AFSCME (American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees), Consumer Federation of California, Consumers Union, Housing and Economic Rights Advocates, and various community legal, labor and civil rights organizations. It will be heard in the Assembly this spring.

Like other interest groups - such as gun owners, property rights advocates and environmentalists - the Consumer Federation of California tracks legislation that affects its particular concerns.

Consumer Watchdog Campaign and Consumer Federation of California were joined by Sharada Polavarapu, a San Francisco resident who relies solely on mass transit, to call on the Republican Party to oppose this ballot initiative as an attack on the middle class.

The labels are "beneficial to consumers who care where their products are made to have truthful information when determining what to buy," Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, said in an interview. "The federal law is weaker so we are better off not changing a good standard."

Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, opposes the bill because his group sees it as an opportunity to overturn a state Supreme Court decision in January 2011 that ruled consumers could claim harm was done if they were deceived into buying a product because it was purported to be “Made in the USA.”

Mercury Insurance Chairman George Joseph has given more than $8 million to fund his 2012 ballot initiative attack on long-standing consumer protections. The insurance executive and "Forbes 400" billionaire also made the largest single contribution to the California Republican Party in 2011...

The Consumer Federation of California named Senator Pavley as its "Senator of the Year" for her tireless work to ban toxins such as lead, cadmium and BPA from children's products; passing legislation to protect consumers from mortgage fraud; and efforts to crack down on elder abuse.

Consumer Watchdog is a courageous and remarkably successful advocate for consumer rights. An attack dog website was launched today that serves as a preview of the campaign against Consumer Watchdog we anticipate from George Joseph, the billionaire chairman of Mercury Insurance.

The Consumer Federation of California (CFC) stated that energy storage systems must be cost competitive. "California ratepayers are stakeholders in this investment and need assurances that energy storage will result in lower utility bills and better energy management and efficiency."

The labels are "beneficial to consumers who care where their products are made to have truthful information when determining what to buy," Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California...The federal law is weaker so we are better off not changing a good standard.”

SB 810 would eliminate private health insurance entirely. All Californians' healthcare costs would be paid for from one big pool. It's just like the way people get insurance coverage now, except much much simpler, everyone would be covered, and the profit motive would be removed.

We hope this scorecard can help Californians evaluate whether their lawmakers voted on behalf of their interests when it comes to issues that affect their pocketbooks, privacy, and health and safety, but often get little news coverage.

The scorecard highlighted a deep ideological split between the two parties when it comes to consumer rights protections. Assembly Democrats had an average score of 93 percent (a six point increase from last year), with Senate Democrats averaging 83 percent (a 3 point drop from last year).

"As we have seen in the past, just having coverage does not demonstrate driving performance," Holober said. "This measure would have a similar effect to how pre-existing conditions affect people who purchase health insurance."

Supporters, such as the Consumer Federation of California, say the proposal will reduce health care costs for families.

Consumer Federation of California says the initiative isn't good for people who have been uninsured for a time, even if because they gave up their car. The cost of getting reinsured will jump. Coverage doesn't determine whether you're a good driver.

"This is not about discounts, this is about surcharge," said Richard Holober from the Consumer Federation of California..."Simply the fact that you had a break in coverage in the last couple of years will be held against you and you will face massive surcharges of 40, 50 percent or more," said Holober.

"When was the last time a billionaire insurance magnate spent a fortune to save you money? Never." stated Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California. "This proposition is nothing more that an insurance tycoon’s self-enrichment scheme."

The law was sponsored by California State Senator Darrell Steinberg and co-sponsored by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery (CAST), the Consumer Federation of California, the Alliance to Stop Slavery and End Trafficking (ASSET).

"It's time for California to eliminate a misguided regulation that loads our furniture with toxic chemicals, and that provides no safety benefit to consumers," said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California.

"Governor Brown's signature on these measures is a demonstration of his appreciation for common sense consumer legislation. It's a welcome change," said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California.

Corbett has been honored by the Consumer Federation of California, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Consumer Attorneys of California, California Public Interest Research Group, Community Resources for Independence, Alameda Justice Center, Consumer Action and California Congress of Seniors.

Consumer Federation of California spokesman Zack Kaldveer told BNA in an e-mail the alliance is a positive step, and a direct contrast to the national talks that the two states rightfully left.

On issues ranging from household toxics to food safety to elder abuse to personal privacy, Governor Jerry Brown has demonstrated much greater empathy with consumer protection than his predecessor.

Pan authored AB 688 with the support of the Consumer Federation of California. The bill stated that any store selling expired baby food, formula or over-the-counter medication would be fined up to $10 a day for each item sold.

"We applaud Governor Jerry Brown for signing an important food and drug safety bill, AB 688, by Assemblyman Richard Pan. This common sense law will protect the most vulnerable Californians - the very young and the ill," stated Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California, sponsor of AB 688.

This bill had extensive support from disparate groups throughout the state, including MADD, Consumer Federation of California, California Police Chiefs, Alcohol Justice, California's Police Officers (PORAC), California Professional Firefighters, California Council on Alcohol Problems, California Narcotic Officers Association and many of the states religious leaders.

California Governor Jerry Brown finally signed a bill to ban alcohol sales through self-serve checkout machines in California.

The debate is over AB 52 by Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-West Hollywood, which would give the state insurance commissioner and the state's HMO regulator the authority to approve insurers' rates to make sure they are not unfair, excessive or discriminatory.

"Governor Brown’s signature confirms the overwhelming scientific evidence indicating BPA is not safe for human consumption, particularly for young, developing children."

When embarrassing exposes don't get an industry's attention, regulations become necessary. AB 688 is a logical companion to federal food and drug safety standards. It's time that retailers got the message that it is not a'ceptable to sell expired food and medication.

The bill was backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of California (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), as well as Google, TechNet, and the Consumer Federation of California.

Listen to Zack Kaldveer, Communications Director for the Consumer Federation of California visit the Rick Smith Show to talk about the movement, and California bill (AB 22 - Mendoza), to ban employers from using credit checks on job interviews.

"Californians across the political spectrum support AB 688 because it is a common sense regulation that protects our families' health," stated Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California.

Stores in California could soon have to keep a much closer watch on the expiration date of products if the governor signs a bill increasing fines for retailers who offer past due items for sale.

Zack Kaldveer, spokesperson for the Consumer Federation...noted Ammiano's commitment to consumer and privacy rights, stating, "Assemblymember Ammiano not only has a 100% lifetime record in the state legislature on issues that affect the rights of consumers, but in 2011 he was an ardent supporter of a host of critical privacy protection bills ranging from expanding medical record confidentiality, safeguarding reader privacy from government snooping, improving data breach protections and notifications, and prohibiting prospective employers from using consumer credit reports in the hiring process."

Today, for example, Assemblyman Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) summoned the Consumer Federation of California, the California Alliance of Retired Persons, and other groups to the Capitol to express support for a bill that would prevent stores from selling out-of-date baby formula and medications, like aspirin.

Outdated baby food and formula and expired over-the-counter medications could soon be pulled from store shelves if Gov. Brown signs a bill to make these items illegal.

There actually isn't a law that requires stores to make sure that doesn't happen. And grocer and retail groups believe one isn't necessary. They say existing enforcement efforts already work - and stores allow refunds or exchanges for expired products.

Consumer Federation of California joins other consumer groups, pediatricians, nurses, scientists, labor, parents and senior citizens in urging Governor Jerry Brown to protect the very young, the ill, and all Californians by signing AB 688 into law.

The Consumer Federation of California, sponsor of AB 688, will discuss major investigations by then-Attorney General Jerry Brown's office, News 10 San Diego and others that found major retailers throughout California have been selling these expired products.

A broad alliance of supporters for AB 183 includes MADD, Consumer Federation of California, California Council on Alcohol Problems (CalCap), Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California, California Police Chiefs, Alcohol Justice, California Narcotic Officers Association, Metro United Methodist Urban Ministry, California's Police Officers (PORAC), California Professional Firefighters, and other organizations throughout the state.

The legislation is supported by the Certified Automotive Parts Association, the Consumer Federation of California, Consumers Union, the Trauma Foundation, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, among others.

Richard Holober, executive director for the Consumer Federation of California...wrote...that security breaches exposed at least 500 million personal records of Americans since 2005.

"We see this as sort of creeping Big Brother government, an invasion of people's privacy," said Richard Holober, executive director of the Sacramento-based Consumer Federation of California.

Persistence paid off for Senator Joe Simitian. Governor Jerry Brown just signed Simitian’s Senate Bill 24, which will arm consumers with information to help prevent identity theft.

A bill to regulate health insurance rate hikes faces fierce industry opposition as it moves through the legislature. AB 52 (Feuer) would rein in health and HMO premium increases that soared 131% from 1999 to 2009 - nearly five times the rate of inflation.

...AB 22, could reach the Senate floor by next Monday. It would ban the use of credit reports when it comes to hiring with some exceptions such as with peace officers, employees of the State Department of Justice and managerial positions that require the handling of money.

Among groups lobbying for passage of A.B. 1062 is the Congress of California Seniors, Consumer Federation of California, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center.

On Monday, the California State Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that a class action lawsuit challenging the validity of the City's Telephone Users' Tax ("TUT") could proceed, overruling previous lower court decisions.

With the stroke of an autopen from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the once articulate critic of the Patriot Act signed a four year extension of the most dangerous assault on American civil liberties in US history without a single additional privacy protection.

Google informed its users of their position and privacy policy. This was motivated...by a...letter sent by a group of privacy advocates, including...Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, Consumer Federation of California, the World Privacy Forum, Consumer Action, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and ACLU of Northern California.

When California voters erased the two-thirds majority rule for passing a state budget, they added teeth to the June 15 deadline for legislative approval. No budget, no pay.

The legislation is backed by the Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of California, and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. The for-profit college industry mounted a lobby effort to kill the bill.

A state Assembly bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Betsy Butler (D-Marina del Rey) that would increase the fines for financial crimes committed against elderly and dependent adults was unanimously passed Thursday and will head to the state Senate for consideration.

SB 869 - authored by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco - would create a new crime with a penalty of a $5,000 fine and/or one year in prison for an automotive repair dealer who purports to replace a deployed airbag but who in fact fails to fully repair and restore it.

Wright's legislation received backing from Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of California, and Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, organizations that long have criticized the industry, justifiably so.

In addition to the Center for Auto Safety, SB 869 is supported by Certified Automotive Parts Association, Consumer Federation of California, Consumers Union, Trauma Foundation, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, among others.

The Consumer Federation of California has named Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) as its "Senator of the Year". Consumer Federation of California officials say Senator Pavley was chosen for her leadership in supporting consumer protection legislation.

Lowenthal will discuss the bill publicly for the first time today at a press conference in Sacramento. He'll be joined by representatives from groups backing the proposal, including...the California Consumer Federation.

Ignacio Hernandez, legislative director of the Consumer Federation of California, would also would have preferred Cal Grant caps for students attending for-profit institutions. Still, he said he appreciates the attention being paid to default rates.

Listen to KGO's Michael Finney and CFC's Richard Holober discuss the recent California Supreme Court ruling in favor of consumer privacy.

The Consumer Federation of California and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse weighed in on Pineda's behalf and were represented by Todd Atkins at Atkins & Davidson in San Diego.