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News Release | OSPIRG | Democracy

Distorted Democracy: Big Money and Dark Money in the 2012 Elections

A new analysis of pre-election data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other sources by OSPIRG and Demos shows that outside spending in the first presidential election since Citizens United is living up to its hype: new waves of “outside spending” have been fueled by dark money and unlimited fundraising from a small number of wealthy donors.

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Blog Post | Health Care

Here’s that Rx refill you didn’t order | Jesse Ellis O'Brien

Is your pharmacy refilling your prescription without your knowledge or approval, and billing your insurance company for the cost? If so, it’s the latest example of waste we shouldn't tolerate in our health care system.

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

The CFPB is now taking your credit bureau complaints | Ed Mierzwinski

Excellent news! The CFPB is now taking complaints about credit bureaus and credit reports. And unlike the FTC, the CFPB has been given tools so that it will be able to "help consumers with individual-level complaint assistance on issues with their credit report."

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

The Dos and Don'ts of Campus Banking | Celeste Meiffren

Given the confused campus card marketplace, students often have a hard time finding the right card and end up with an account littered with fees and inconveniences. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts to enable students to navigate the marketplace and be aware of the tricks and traps of these cards.

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Health Care

Comments on PacificSource Health Plans Proposal to Increase Small Group Health Insurance Rates

PacificSource Health Plans is proposing a rate increase on small business plans that will affect over 36,000 Oregonians, with an average increase of 8.62% and ranging up to 14.5% for some customers. If approved, the increase would go into effect January 1, 2013.

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Media Hit | Budget

Oregon gets B+ for financial transparency

Oregon gets a grade of B+ for financial transparency, a report issued Wednesday states.

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Media Hit | Budget

Oregon Gets 'B-Plus' on Spending Transparency

Oregon received a "B+" grade when it comes to government spending transparency, according to "Following the Money 2012: How the States Rank on Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data," the third annual report from the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group.

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News Release | OSPIRG | Financial Reform

Amendment Passes to Crack Down on Offshore Tax Cheats

This amendment would give law enforcement officials important tools to stop foreign financial institutions in places like the Cayman Islands from aiding U.S. tax cheats. The $900 million this provision would raise over the next ten years can be put to good use funding public priorities like public transportation or reducing the deficit.

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News Release | OSPIRG | Health Care

Health Exchange Clears Oregon Legislature

Consumers might see decent affordable coverage on the horizon, now that Oregon lawmakers have given the green light for the new Health Insurance Exchange.

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Media Hit | Tax

Group says Corporate Tax Subsidies Need Justification

A new report released today by OSPIRG says more needs to be done to prove that corporate tax subsidies provide enough value to the public.

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Tax, Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Public Private or Both?

A report by OSPIRG Foundation's national office assessing the prospects, promise and pitfalls of public-private partnerships.

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Transportation

How Speculation is Affecting Gasoline Prices Today

Excellent report by the Political Economy Research Institute

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Health Care

Comments on Regence Proposal to Increase Rates 22%

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon (Regence) is proposing to raise rates an average of 22.1% on individual plans. These are plans for people who do not have employer-based coverage. If approved, this rate increase will impact 59,477 Oregonians effective August 1, 2011.

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Health Care

Comments on Regence Proposal to Raise Small Businesses Rates

Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield (Regence) is proposing a rate increase on small business plans, with an average increase of 10.8%, impacting 54,299 Oregonians, effective July 1, 2011.

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Report | OSPIRG Foundation | Budget, Tax

Tax Shell Game

Tax havens are countries with minimal or no taxes, to which U.S.-based multinational firms or individuals transfer their earnings to avoid paying taxes in the United States. Users of tax havens benefit from access to America’s markets, workforce, infrastructure and security, but pay little or nothing for it—violating the basic fairness of the tax system.

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

January bills and complicated credit card agreements | Brian Rae

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Consumer Watch: Web Piracy and a Critical Consumer Vote | Brian Rae

Stop Web Piracy? There has been much online talk about the internet piracy act being considered by Congress. Consumer groups have thrown their hat into the ring to express concern that the bill could close off online exchanges that provide lower prices for consumers, reduce online security, and allow for anti-consumer practices by online service providers

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Black Friday Tips and Warnings | Brian Rae

OSPIRG’s Consumer Watch Trouble in Toyland- OSPIRG has release its 26th annual Toy Safety Report and mobile website, www.toysafety.mobi to keep toy safety at parents fingertips. DOJ Warns of Black Friday Scams– Planning on shopping this Friday in stores or online? The Oregon Attorney General has issued tips and warnings on how to avoid holiday shopping scams.

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Blog Post | Transportation

Fast trains slowly appearing on the horizon | David Rosenfeld

Many Willamette Valley commuters and businesses frustrated at I-5 rush hour and gas prices have longed for a convenient, reliable and speedy train between Portland and Eugene. The solutions aren’t quite around the bend yet, but some important behind-the-scenes activity in recent months might create a path towards greater transit choices for Oregon’s consumers and businesses. 

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Blog Post | Consumer Protection

Towards Common Ground | Brian Rae

The super committee tasked with cutting 1.2-1.5 trillion dollars from the federal budget has been a hot topic in many political circles nationally and in Oregon. That is not surprising, as the national tax discussions impact Oregon taxpayers greatly. What is disappointing, however, is that much of the debate has focused in on the disagreements that Republicans and Democrats have on issues such as revenue and entitlements. Would it not make more sense to begin with our similarities, and then move on to the differences?

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Tools & Resources

  • FIGHTING UNJUSTIFIED PREMIUM HIKES
    It’s time for health insurers to get serious about lowering the cost of care instead of raising deductibles and hiking premiums.
    JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN
  • Stop Tax Dodgers
    Corporate tax avoidance cost taxpayers $100 billion last year. We're working to close the loopholes that allow companies to avoid paying the taxes they owe.
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    Take Action
  • YOUR TAX DOLLARS BECOME CORN SYRUP
    At a time when one-in-three kids is overweight or obese, over a billion taxpayer dollars go to high-fructose corn syrup and junk food ingredients.
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    Take Action
  • Reclaim Democracy
    The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision ushered in an era of unprecedented spending by big money in our elections, but we're working to return our democracy back to the principle of "one person, one vote."
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    Take Action

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