Winning Concrete Results
Fighting For A Better Deal On Rx Drugs
With pharmaceutical companies increasing prices higher and higher, in 2006 OSPIRG staff and members helped win passage of Measure 44, expanding a program that harnesses group buying power to get better deals on prescription drugs.
Promoting Real Energy Independence
In 2005, OSPIRG helped pass new energy-efficiency standards for 11 appliances. By 2020, this step will save Oregonians enough electricity to power 50,000 homes and nearly $250 million on their energy bills.
Taking On Predatory Lenders
After OSPIRG research revealed payday lenders were commonly charging consumers annual interest rates of more than 500 percent, the Oregon Legislature passed an OSPIRG-backed bill capping payday loan interest rates at 36 percent APR.
Curbing Abuses Of Our Personal Information
OSPIRG continues to make preventing identity theft a top priority, working to ensure that businesses and government safeguard Oregonians’ personal information, and advocating greater rights for consumers to control access to their own credit reports to stop identity thieves in their tracks.
Challenging Tax Refund Usury
In 2005, OSPIRG helped pass a law that will force H&R Block and other tax preparers to clearly disclose the fees and terms of so-called “refund anticipation loans,” high-interest loans that can drain taxpayers’ refunds.
Standing Up For Homeowners
In 2005, OSPIRG helped craft the Oregon Homeowners Bill of Rights. This bill includes protections to prevent insurance companies from canceling a homeowner’s insurance coverage when they file their first claim.
Reforming Corporate Boardroom Practices
After a wave of corporate scandals, including Enron, WorldCom and Tyco, President Bush approved a landmark OSPIRG-backed law that better regulates accountants and holds executives accountable to investors and employees.
Revitalizing Young Voter Participation
Because civic habits are formed at a young age, OSPIRG has long focused on increasing youth voting. In 2004, we helped launch the New Voters Project to register and mobilize hundreds of thousands of 18- to 24-year olds. Youth voter turnout in the 2004 election increased by 11 percent—the most significant increase of any age group during that election.
