POLICY
For Georgia Watch’s legislative positions during the 2010 Georgia General Assembly click here.
For Georgia Watch’s legislative positions during the 2009 Georgia General Assembly click here.
GEORGIA WATCH PRESS RELEASES
2010 Releases
“Report: Many Atlanta area hospitals not adequately serving uninsured and low-income patients,” June 23, 2010.
“Responding to Public Pressure, PSC Delays Vote on $25 million Pipeline to Resort,” June 17, 2010.
“Jonathan Shapiro, Georgia Watch Communications Director,” June 2, 2010.
“Georgia Supreme Court Rules ‘Cap on Damages’ Unconstitutional,” March 23, 2010.
“Hospial Accountability Project Grant,” March 15, 2010.
“HB1233 Passes House,” March 11, 2010.
“NE Medical Report,” March 9, 2010.
“Under Water Mortgages,” March 2, 2010.
“MBA Delinquency Rates,” February 24, 2010.
“Part Two – Foreclosure Report,” February 8, 2010.
“Clare McGuire joins Georgia Watch,” January 6, 2010.
“Georgia Foreclosure Crisis Part One: The Rippling Effects of Reckless Lending,” January 4, 2010.
2009 Releases
“Robert Brown – Friend of the Consumer,” December 18, 2009.
“Tommie Williams – Legislator of the Year,” December 7, 2009.
“Mortgage Rally,” December 5, 2009.
“Clergy Press Conference,” December 2, 2009.
“Report Cost of Care,” October 13, 2009.
“TARP Anniversary,” October 2, 2009.
“Do No Harm Screening,” September 25, 2009.
“Underwater Equity,” August 25, 2009.
“Project SAFE,” August 18, 2009.
“Court Watch,” August 14, 2009.
“HAP Spanish Survey,” July 31, 2009.
“HAP Report: Floyd Medical Center,” July 21, 2009.
“New Executive Director, Deputy Director,” July 17, 2009.
“Georgia Watch Website,” June 26, 2009.
“Cooper – Friend of the Consumer,” June 6, 2009.
“New Board Members,” April 28, 2009.
“2009 General Assembly Wraps with Big Consumer Loss,” April 3, 2009.
“SB57 Foreclosures 12,” March 31, 2009.
“Crossover Day,” March 13, 2009.
“Teilhet – HB387,” February 13, 2009.
“Legal Bailout for Drug Companies?,” February 5, 2009.
“Hospital Accountability Project Announcement,” January 5, 2009.
2008 Releases
“A Crisis of Affordable Health Care at the Medical Center of Central Georgia,” December 4, 2008.
“Sen. Bill Hamrick named 2008 Friend of the Consumer,” October 9, 2008.
“Georgia Watch names Rep. Mike Keown a Friend of the Consumer,” August 28, 2008.
“Rep. Teilhet Award,” August 26, 2008.
“Memorial Health,” July 1, 2008.
“Tax Free Holiday,” July 30, 2008.
“HB130 Signing,” May 12, 2008.
“Award Ceremony,” May 6, 2008.
“Consumer Wins,” April 11, 2008.
“Northside Hospital,” April 9, 2008.
RELATED NEWS ARTICLES
“Delay on Reynolds Plantation-Lake Oconee Pipeline,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, June 18, 2010.
“Two AGL Pipelines Cleared, One Postponed,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, June 18, 2010.
“Vote on Pipeline Delayed,” Athens Banner-Herald, June 18, 2010.
“AGL wants customers to fund pipeline to resort,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, June 17, 2010.
“ATRA not on board with Ga. SC decision,” Legal Newsline, March 23, 2010.
“State high court overturns state’s tort reform,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 22, 2010.
“March foreclosures near record,” Newnan Times-Herald, March 11, 2010.
“Tips to finding affordable healthcare options”, Atlanta-Journal Constitution, March 9, 2010.
“February foreclosure numbers up,” The Times-Herald, February 4, 2010.
“Hospital funding overhaul forecast,” Rome News-Tribune, February 1, 2010.
“Legislature considers new mortgage rules,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 23, 2010.
*This article, written by the Associated Press, was also picked up by the Rome-News Tribune, Athens Banner Herald, Georgia Public Broadcasting, the Macon Telegraph, and the Tifton Gazette.
“PSC votes ‘YES’ to extend utility surcharge,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 20, 2010.
“Georgia exercises status quo on banks,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 15, 2010.
“Overview of pre-filed Georgia assembly bills,” Atlanta Progressive News, January 13, 2010.
“Georgia home values slide, cutting tax receipts,” Augusta Chronicle, January 09, 2010.
“Political Notebook: group names Brown ‘friend of the consumer’,” Macon Telegraph, January 01, 2010.
2009
“Progressive Groups Diverge on Mortgage Legislation, SB 57,” Atlanta Progressive News, December 13, 2009.
“Georgia Watch names Williams Legislator of the Year,” WSB TV, December 12, 2009.
“Subprime loans reform still in play,” Rome News-Tribune, December 2, 2009.
GA Watch’s Phelps builds legacy of service, Atlanta Business Chronicle, December 4, 2009.
“Senators propose massive banking overhaul,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 10, 2009.
“Medical Center Cutting Services to the Poor,” Macon Telegraph, October 27, 2009.
“Georgia Health Insurance Group Reports on Affordability,” TransWorldNews, October 20, 2009.
“Georgia Watch to host screening of documentary, Do No Harm,” Access Atlanta, October 14, 2009.
“Do No Harm documentary comes to Atlanta tonight,” Creative Loafing, October 14, 2009.
“Georgia gets a ‘D’ for housing, home ownership,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, September 22, 2009.
“Reactor opponents challenge law funding work,” Augusta Chronicle, September 7, 2009.
“Lenders’ troubles are not over,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 29, 2009.
“Georgians Band Together to Stop Identity Theft,” Atlanta Daily World, August 21, 2009.
“Watchdog group shares date,” Rome News-Tribune, August 2, 2009.
“Military pays price for financing plan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 24, 2009.
“Rep. Carter receives award,” Savannah Politics, July 16, 2009.
“Phoebe: Site defamed hospital,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 14, 2009.
“Will Georgia be out of Harm’s way?” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 12, 2009
“Pooler Pol receives consumer award,” Savannah Daily News, July 2, 2009.
“Georgia needs mortgage reform,”Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 26, 2009.
“Atlanta Gas Light requests additional surcharge to pay for project,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 13, 2009.“Efficiency can help us reach energy independence,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 15, 2009.“Despite recession, lobbyists still have plenty to spend,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 19, 2009.“Identity protection is not necessarily a bargain buy,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 12, 2009.
“Hard choices: Leaders avoided tax increases, but critics say people got little.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 5, 2009.
“Voters, let’s remember whom to thank when power bills go up,” The Citizen, March 31, 2009.
Response to “In-depth Issue: Consumer Protection Legislation,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 29, 2009.
“In-depth Issue: Consumer Protection Legislation,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 29, 2009.
“Plant Vogtle expansion gets OK,” Savannah Morning News, March 18, 2009.
“PSC approves plan to raise electric bills” Augusta Chronicle, March 18, 2009.
“Michiganders left behid,” Injury Board, March 13, 2009.
“Legislators share Georgians’ pain,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 8, 2009.
“Georgia Power asks to put off fuel hike,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 4, 2009.
“Georgia Power gets its wish as foes fume,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 1, 2009.
“House OK’s Georgia Power plan to raise power bills” Associated Press, February 26, 2009.
“Bill will hike Georgia Power profits,” Savannah Morning News, February 24, 2009.
“Georgia Power bill in state House subcommittee,” Rome News-Tribune, February 19, 2009.
“Got Nukes?” Creative Loafing, February 18, 2009.
Worse than you think.” Macon Telegraph, February 17, 2009.
“Georgia flirts with Michigan’s big mistake,” The Pop Tort , February 12, 2009.
“Finding The Right Georgia Lawyer For Your Case,” Georgia Injusry Lawyer Blog, February 12, 2009.
“State woos medicine makers with legislation,” Gainesville Times, February 10, 2009.
“Governor’s Lawsuit Bill Not Immune From Critique,” Georgia Public Prodcasting, February 6, 2009.
“Angela Speir is keynote speaker at GIPPY awards,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 7, 2009.
“Governers tort reform off base,” Macon Telegraph, February 4, 2009
“State Senate panels ways Georgia Power bill,” WSB, January 28, 2009
“Consumer groups slam Georgia Power legislation,” Associated Press, January 29, 2009.
“Financing of expansion is still debated,” Morris News Service , January 29, 2009.
“Pay-early plan for reactors hot topic,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 29, 2009
“Title Loan’s High Price,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 25, 2009
“Ga. Power bill will boost rates,” Associated Press, January 16, 2009
“Atlanta-based group to study indigent care,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 6, 2009
2008
“Speir to lead watchdog group,” Gwinnett Daily Post, December 18, 2008
“She’ll keep watching,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, December 17, 2008
“Angela Speir joins Georgia Watch,” Creative Loafing Fresh Loaf, December 16, 2008
“New law hinders car insurance oversight,” Gainesville Times, November 04, 2008
“Financial literacy: Lending standards went by the board,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 17, 2008
“State mandates low-cost, free credit freezes,” Coastal Courier, August 01, 2008
‘Georgians can now put credit on ice,” Associated Press, August 01, 2008
“Putting your credit on ice,” Rome News-Tribune, August 01, 2008
“Law intended to freeze out identity thieves,” Athens Banner-Herald, July 31, 2008.
“Business brisk as sales tax holiday shopping begins,” (Newnan) Times-Herald, July 31, 2008
“Consumer advocacy group: Equifax offer confusing, misleading,” WSB-TV, July 30, 2008
“Crisis of affordable health care at Memorial,” Georgia Informer, July 08, 2008
“Report says Memorial Health has low cash reserves and huge markups for some patients,” WSAV-TV, July 01, 2008
“Memorial finances under scrutiny,” WTOC-TV, July 01, 2008
“Rulings favor business, study says,” Florida Times-Union, June 13, 2008
“Georgia fails to protect consumers in individual health insurance market,” NPR, June 12, 2008
“Opinions vary on law’s impact on driver’s rates,” Augusta Chronicle, June 05, 2008
“Foreclosures: No rush on debt relief in Georgia,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 01, 2008
‘Editorial: New law chills identity theft,” Albany Herald, May 15, 2008
“Consumer protection becomes law today,” WSB Radio, May 13, 2008
“Auto insurance may spike if Perdue signs bill,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 01, 2008
“Oxendine: Look for huge rate hikes if governor signs SB 276,” Morris News Service, April 30, 2008
“Personal data bought and sold,” WTVM-TV, April 24, 2008
“Georgia Watch takes Northside Hospital to task,” Atlanta Business Journal, April 09, 2008
“Credit protection clears Senate,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 01, 2008
“Georgia Senate OKs credit freeze,” The Associated Press, March 31, 2008
2007
“Free program help with taxes,” Bainbridge Post-Searchlight, March 14
“Opinion: A little step is better than none,” Macon Telegraph, March 04
“Protecting yourself from identity theft,” WTVM-9 News Columbus, televised February 21
“Lawmakers agree to help thwart identity thieves,” Albany Herald, February 20
“Georgia’s new responses to identity theft,” State Auto Insurance Companies, February 06
“‘Georgia Watch: Looking out for you,” WPGA-TV, January 28
”Consumer groups pushing uninsured motorist legislation,” Macon Telegraph, January 15
“Insurance Premiums Rise, Even for Doctor’s Group,” WALB-TV, December 03
‘“Phoebe prices criticized,” WALB-TV, November 29
‘“Group Criticizes Phoebe,” Albany Herald, November 29
“‘Archbold Execs Paid More,” Thomasville Times-Enterprise, November 28.
“‘Proposed Law Stirs Emotion Over Stacking Policies,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, November 23.
“‘State Punts, Locals Can Protect Their Own Consumers,” Creative Loafing, October 10
Credit Freeze Legislation, Fox 5, October 10
Editorial: “Credit Lock Box,” Savannah Morning News, October 10
Editorial: ”Credit Firms Win in Bill,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 10
Editorial: “Credit Freeze Fee Too Pricey,” Albany Herald, October 5
“‘Georgia Watch at Rotary,” BainbridgeGA.com, October 5
‘”There’s a Red Flag Waving Here,” Macon Telegraph, August 29
“Lawmaker Who Sells Insurance Wants Rates Raised,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 24
“‘From Dream House to Nightmare,” Bryan County News, August 5
“‘Auto Insurers Don’t Need the Green Light,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 24
”Retail Clinic Opens in Stockbridge”, Henry Herald, August 20
”Support, Don’t Cut, Grady’s Vital Services,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 3
”Consumer Group Chastises Grady,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 31
Bill Shipp: ”Howard Needed More in Governor’s Mansion,” May 23
”Court Sides with Consumers – Twice,” Macon Telegraph, May 18
”Judging the Legislature’s Winners, Losers,” Associated Press, April 23
”Legislature Passes Consumer Bills,” Morris News Service, April 21
”Measures to Privatize Cities Roil Legislature,” Fulton County Daily Report, March 30
”Payday Loans Dead for Now,” Albany Herald, March 29
”Bill to Lift Payday Lending Ban Strikes out in House,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, March 28
”Georgia Senators Try to Retool Immunity to ER Docs,” Associated Press, March 18
”Payday Lending in Georgia,” Macon Telegraph, March 15
”Don’t Rush the Welcome Mat,” Macon Telegraph, March 15
”Payday Lending Crossover Day Casualty,” Gwinnett Daily Post, March 14
”Time to Right a Wrong,” Macon Telegraph, March 08
”‘Private Cities’ Measure Back Before Lawmakers,” Gwinnett Daily Post, March 04
“‘True Believers: Meet Three Dedicated Political Advocates,” Georgia Trend, February 2007
”Payday Lending Debate Returns to Georgia,” Morris News Service, February 24
”Fighting the Good Fight,” Pine Magazine, February 21
”Consumer Groups Attack Payday Lending Bill,” The Henry Herald, February 20
”Payday Lending Poised for Comeback,” Capitol Impact’s Georgia Report, February 19
”Malpractice Law Reforms of 2005 Get Mixed Reviews,” Gainesville Times, February 18
”Proposal: Require Insurance Commissioner to OK Rate Hikes,” Associated Press, February 13
”Bill Aims to Thwart Identity Thieves,” Associated Press, February 12
”Bill Would Repeal Payday Loan Ban,” Bainbridge Post-Searchlight, February 02
”Payday Loan Bill: Reps Hit New Low,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 26
”State Should Avoid ‘Cash Advance’ Lender System,” Macon Telegraph, January 26
”Bill Would Allow Credit Report Freeze,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 26
”Proposal Would Repeal Payday Lending Law,” Associated Press, January 25
“‘Payday Lenders Under Fire from Courts,” Fulton County Daily Report, January 09
”Milder Weather Clouds Needed,” Morris News Service, January 04
2006
”For some, gas bill aid falls short,” Creative Loafing , January 18, 2006
”Senate passes tax break on heating fuels,” Savannah Morning News, January 24, 2006
”Tax cut on fuel bills passes Legislature,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, January 24, 2006
”Perdue signs gas tax relief bill, defends deregulation,” The Associated Press, January 26, 2006
”Lawyers now leery of malpractice suits,” The Gainesville Times, February 4, 2006
”Bloated gas bills hitting elderly hard,” The Associated Press, February 6, 2006
”Time to consider the patient,” Macon Telegraph, February 07, 2006
”Legislature 2006: Auto rates draw GOP interest,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
February 08, 2006
”Title pawn lenders pull out wallets,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 12, 2006
”Tort reform a disaster,” Athens Banner-Herald and the Marietta Daily Journal, February 13, 2006
”High court deals blow to tort law,” The Associated Press, February 14, 2006
”Our Opinion: Tort Reform,” Rome News-Tribune, February 19, 2006
”Guest Editorial – Payday Lending,” The Macon Telegraph, February 19, 2006
”Legislature: Title loan interest could top 300%,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 21, 2006
”Title pawn substitute bill draws heat,” Gwinnett Daily Post, February 21, 2006
”Title pawn measure is far from legitimate ‘reform’,” Macon Telegraph, February 22, 2006
”Local physicians hopeful about SB 3,” The Northeast Georgian, February 24, 2006
”Senate Bill 3 one year later – is it working?,” Northeast Georgian, February 24, 2006
”Disclosure not enough,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 27, 2006
”Where has legislative compassion gone?” Macon Telegraph, February 27, 2006
”Legislature 2006: Tort reform turns tables,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 5, 2006
”Credit report firms warm to lock-up bill,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 7, 2006
”Bill on identity theft clears hurdle in House,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 9, 2006
”Volunteer health clinics are crucial,” Macon Telegraph, April 16, 2006
”Letter to the Editor: Health care safety is vital to patients,” Henry Daily Herald, May 02, 2006
”Keeping Private Credit Info Private,” WXIA, May 17, 2006
”’Frivolous lawsuits’ are a myth that is fading,” Athens Banner-Herald, May 18, 2006
”Georgia malpractice premium cuts haven’t panned out,” The Associated Press, May 22, 2006
”Doctors should not feel put out over tort reform,” Macon Telegraph, May 18, 2006
”Tort reform hasn’t lowered malpractice insurance rates,” Capitol Impact, June 23, 2006
”This is Perspective: Medical Malpractice,” Macon Telegraph , June 24, 2006
”Politics: Checks And Balances,” Georgia Trend, August 04, 2006
”Protection for soldiers’ cash past due,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 21, 2006
”Natural gas bargains were available last year,” Savannah Morning News, September 14, 2006
”Turnabout for the speaker?,” Capitol Impact, September 21, 2006
”Report slams Georgia laws on workers’ comp,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 21, 2006
”Expand lending protection,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 04, 2006
‘Former medical lobby staffer sentenced for embezzling,” The Associated Press, October 12, 2006
”Uninsured Losses: Not-For-Profit Gain?,” Pine Magazine, October 31, 2006
”Voters take stock of GOP changes,” Morris News Service, November 04, 2006
”Campaign aims at buying wetlands,” Liberty County Coastal Courier, November 15, 2006
”Group hopes to save wetlands, deter floods,” Morris News Service, November 17, 2006
”Buy Dry: Building in wetlands can be risky business,” Gainesville Times, November 26, 2006
”Funds available for help with heating bills,” Gwinnett Daily Post, December 8, 2006
”Check-cashing outlets stick it to customers,” Morris News Service, December 09, 2006
”Some consumers run into big problems with auto title lending,” USA Today, December 27, 2006