Georgia Watch in the News

Georgia Watch in the News

 2014 News Articles

Liz Coyle interviewed on Leyes Cotidianas, PBA-30, Atlanta’s PBS Station, December 7, 2014

“Lenders lined up on Victory Drive may soon see changes,” CBS46-TV, December 4, 2014

State wants to fine Atlanta Gaslight over pipeline problems,” WSB-TV, October 30, 2014

“Two Rulings on Federal Subsidies Call Healthcare Law into Question Again,” WSAV-TV, July 23, 2014

“Consumer watchdog group wants more transparency in EMC groups,” WSB-TV, April 29, 2014

“Clean, efficient power on rise in Georgia, consumer advocate says,” The Macon Telegraph, April 16

“Standalone rural ERs face a serious hurdle,” Georgia Health News, April 15, 2014

“State orders special audit of AGL pipeline,” WSB-TV, March 6, 2014

“Spending growth levels off on Ga. nuclear plant,” Associated Press, February 28, 2014

2013 News Articles

“Athenians attack proposed Ga. Power rate hike, solar energy tariff,” Online Athens, October 30

“Residents Speak Out Against Power Rate Hikes,” WSAV-TV, October 17, 2013

“Pricing Glitch Afflicts Rollout of Online Health Exchanges,” The Wall Street Journal, September 20

“Efforts to Defund Health Care as Georgia Exchanges Set to Open,” WSAV-TV, September 19

“Governor Deal: Why Georgia Won’t Participate in Medical Exchanges,” WSAV-TV, September 18

“As enrollment in health care law looms, some states erect roadblocks,” Miami Herald, September 18

“Will Georgia’s Health Care Navigators Be Ready? A Talk with One Navigator, Bill Rencher,” WABE, September 12, 2013

“Tea Party Rallies to Defund Affordable Health Care Act,” WSAV-TV, September 10, 2013

“Georgia PSC Approves Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Plan,” WABE, August 6, 2013

“Georgia Power Told to Use More Solar Energy,” WSAV-TV Savannah, July 11, 2013

 “Regulators To Ga. Power: More Solar,” GPB Radio, July 11, 2013

“Regulators Prepare For Ga. Power Vote,” GPB Radio, July 8

“Ga. Power asks PSC for $482m rate increase,” Tifton Gazette, July 3

“Decision Looms On Georgia Power Plan,” GPB Radio, July 1-2, 2013

“Georgia Power asks for 6% rate hike,” Morris News Service, June 29

“116 laws to go into effect Monday in Georgia,” Morris News Service, June 29, 2013

“Georgia Power, PSC staff strike agreement – advocacy groups complain,” Morris News Service, June 27, appeared in Savannah Morning News and Rome News-Tribune

“Banking regulator to head bankers’ group,” AJC, June 01, 2013

“AGL proposing to spend $535M on pipes,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, May 31, 2013

“Natural gas gets new pipes,” AJC, May 12, 2013

“Hospital bills to Medicare all over the map,” AJC, May 9, 2013

“Vogtle opponents hope for more consideration now that the company admits cost overruns,” Morris News Service, April 6, 2013

“Plant Vogtle Project Over Budget, PSC Will Decide if Costs Are Approved,” WSAV-TV, March 8

“Bill to limit Georgia Power’s profits at Vogtle fails to move forward,” AJC, March 5, 2013

“Here’s why your power bills will keep going up,” by Tom Crawford, Charlton County Herald, March 5

“Legislative panel kills Plant Vogtle profit curbs bill,” by Walter Jones, Morris News Service, March 5

“Lawmaker: Nuke overruns should cost Ga. Power,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, March 1, 2013

“Vogtle nuclear project to take longer, cost more,” AJC, February 28, 2013

“Utility: New Nuclear Plant in Ga. Over Budget,” Associated Press, February 28, 2013

“The next tea party-consumer target: Cost overruns at Plant Vogtle,” AJC, February 28, 2013

“Patients’ rights at risk?” Georgia Health News, February 28, 2013

“Advocates want law against Georgia Power getting a profit from nuclear power plant,” WSB-TV, February 26

“Vogtle is progressing but nuclear revival is not,” AJC, February 17, 2013

“Plant Vogtle on Prime Time Lawmakers,” GPB, February 11, 2013

“Vogtle cost overrun hot topic discussion continued on GPB.org,” February 11, 2013

“Bill would penalize Ga. utility over nuclear costs,” AP, Bloomberg Businessweek, February 7

“Lawmaker: bar Ga. Power from profit on overruns,” AJC, February 7, 2013

“Prepaid debit cards growing in marketplace,” AJC, January 20, 2013

180,000 Foreclosed Ga. Homeowners May Get Cash Restitution,” WXIA-TV, January 8, 2013

“Major banks reach $8.5 billion mortgage settlement,” AJC, January 8, 2013

“Georgia Power to close 15 coal, oil units,” AJC, January 8, 2013

2012 News Articles

“Rate review targets double-digit premium hikes,” Georgia Health News, December 3, 2012 

“Bank backtracks after improper foreclosure,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, December 2, 2012

“Silence on actions against insurers,” AJC, November 27, 2012

“Solar Power Gets A Boost,” GPB, November 20, 2012

“Ethics Group Launches Town Hall Meetings,” GPB, November 13, 2012

“Ga. Power files its own lawsuit against nuke contractors,” Tom Crawford’s GEORGIA REPORT, November 6, 2012

“Vogtle nuke developers get license amendment to fix concrete issue,” SNL, October 24, 2012

“Ga. Power talking, touring Vogtle,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 5, 2012

“PSC delays action on Lifeline phone service until after the election,” Tom Crawford’s GEORGIA REPORT, October 2, 2012

“Georgia Power report reveals schedule delay, cost changes at Vogtle,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, September 1

“Georgia regulators approve Vogtle costs,” Nucleonics Week, August 23

“State regulators affirm latest cost report for Georgia Power Vogtle nuke project,” SNL Financial, August 21

“PSC Approves Plant Vogtle Costs,” Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) Radio, August 21

“Debate Continues About Vogtle Construction,” Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) Radio, August 16

“Georgia utility regulators hear Plant Vogtle risk-sharing plea,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, August 16

“Family affairs: Kin fill out many Georgia boards,” Morris News Service, picked up by The Augusta Chronicle, August 11, 2012

“Plant Vogtle critics want more state oversight,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, August 3, 2012

“Vogtle nuke project harmful to consumers, PSC filing warns,” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, August 5, 2012

“Critics Blast Reactor Construction, PSC Expert Says it’s Still a Good Deal,” Morris News Service, June 14, 2012

“Ga. candidate questions incumbent’s donor list,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 5, 2012 

“Report: Ga. top court balanced between pro-consumer and pro-biz,” Savannah Morning News and Florida Times-Union, June 2, 2012

“Questions about cost overruns, design problems, delays overhang Ga. Power nuke project,” Tom Crawford’s GEORGIA REPORT, May 13, 2012

“New Units At Plant Vogtle Delayed,” GPB News, May 9, 2012

“Utility money enters politics,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 20, 2012

“Iowa’s nuclear decision,” Business Record, April 20, 2012

“Patient data missing for 315,000 Emory patients,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 19, 2012

“For uninsured Georgians, specialty care can be hard to come by,” Georgia Health News, April 16, 2012

“Gifts continue to rain on lawmakers,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 8, 2012

“Ga. Power will reduce fuel costs it charges customers,” Tom Crawford’s GEORGIA REPORT, April 2, 2012

“Garland: Ethics should be focus of election season,” Online Athens Banner-Herald, March 31, 2012

“Georgia Power bills to drop 6 percent in July,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 30, 2012

“Plant Closings Spike Power Bills,” GPB News, March 20, 2012

“Regulators weigh coal-unit closures, cost to consumers,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 20, 2012

“Georgia Power rates to rise April 1,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 14, 2012

“Georgia second in ID theft,” GPB News, March 14, 2012

“PSC approves secret deal between AGL and AGL subsidiary,” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, March, 9, 2012

“Some Wells Fargo customers to pay new monthly fees,” WABE , March 9, 2012

“Anatomy of a hospital bill: who pays full price?” WXIA-TV 11-Alive, February 29, 2012

“There is a way to put limits on lobbyists,” Charlton County Herald, February 14, 2012

“Ethics bill filed in Senate, mirrors House bill,” WGST, February 09, 2012

“With House bill stalled, senator targets lobbyist gifts,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution,” February 06, 2012

“Political silence on ethics bill is loud and clear,” Columbus Ledger Enquirer,” January 26, 2012

“Shale gas $100 billion savings to US exceed tax cuts: energy,” Bloomberg News, January 26, 2011

“Cobb EMC’s withdrawal won’t delay coal plant development, backer says,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 25, 2012

“Ethics bill gets cool reception in Ga. House,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 25, 2012

“Alliance amps up ethics push,” Rome News-Tribune, January 25, 2012

“Grady Memorial Hospital close up: The struggle to balance the books,” WABE FM 90.1, January 17, 2012

“Editorial: All of us should have access to lawmakers,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 14, 2012

“Ethics legislation: limit dollar distractions,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, January 14, 2012

“Editorial: In Georgia, time to halt unlimited gifts to legislators,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution,January 13, 2012

“Editorial: Action is better than talk,” Rome News-Tribune, January 10, 2012

2011 News Articles

“Mark Hackett: Plant Washington a waste of Cobb EMC Money,” Marietta Daily Journal, December 21, 2011

“Not-for-profit hospitals?” National Public Radio’s Marketplace, December 20, 2011

“Out in the open: Not-for-profit hospitals’ charity spending revealed, but finding a standard measure may not be so simple,” Modern Healthcare, December 19, 2011

“Cobb EMC coal plant plans strike major snag,” Marietta Daily Journal, December 15, 2011

“Unconventional clinic providing safety net for women,” Kaiser Health News, November 30, 2011

“Expanding Plant Vogtle costlier,” Associated Press, November 22, 2011

“All of Georgia’s neighbors limit or bar lobbyist ‘gifts’,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 18, 2011

“Georgia Power bills to increase less than expected in 2012,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 01, 2011

“Georgia’s independent hospitals hurting,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 09, 2011

“Changes could make Cobb EMC a statewide model,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 22, 2011

“PSC to take up Georgia Power shift from coal,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 07, 2011

“The costs of nuclear reactors have been steep for many utilities, Texas Institute study finds,” Jacksonville.com, September 26, 2011

“Consumers groups oppose on health waiver rule,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 20, 2011

“Consumer advocate report reviews the courts,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, September 19, 2011

“Charity care hospital regulations scrutinized,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 7, 2011

“Utilities spark protest by sticking ratepayers with the bill for risky energy projects,” ActionNC, August 4, 2011

“Cost sharing between Georgia Power and customers on nuclear reactors,” WSAV-TV, August 2, 2011

“No cost sharing for nuclear plant,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, August 2, 2011

“Public Service Commission defeats risk-sharing at Plant Vogtle,” Morris News Service, August 2, 2011. This article was reprinted in numerous publications.

“PSC rejects financial risk plan for Ga. nuke plant,” Associated Press, August 2, 2011

“Public Service Commission defeats risk-sharing at Plant Vogtle,” Morris News Service, August 2, 2011

“PSC rejects financial risk plan for Ga. nuke plant,” Associated Press, August 2, 2011

“Ga. weighs dropping financial plan for nuke plant,” Associated Presss, July 29, 2011

“Consumer, not Georgia Power, would be on hook for potential Vogtle overruns,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 28, 2011

“PSC takes up agreement on Plant Vogtle costs,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, July 28, 2011

“Co-op members confront EMC on Plant Washington,” CleanEnergy.org, July 27, 2011

“Georgia Power has a very good summer,” Capitol Impact’s Georgia Report, July 26, 2011

“Snapping Shoals EMC holds annual meeting,” Rockdale Citizen, July 25, 2011

“PSC Nixes Vogtle Cost Check,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, July 19, 2011

“State investigating its HIV unit,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 16, 2011

“Cooling assistance money already gone,” WXIA NBC, July 14, 2011

“Georgia Power bets on gas,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, July 12, 2011

“Residents express concern about June Georgia Power Bills,” WABE, July 8, 2011

“PSC weighs trimming Georgia Power profits if over budget on Vogtle,” Augusta Chronicle, July 6, 2011 (Note: This article was reprinted in several papers)

“Study: Proposed Georgia power plant too expensive,” Florida Times-Union, June 23, 2011

“Ga. plant’s price tag $3.6 bil: Opponents,” Platts, June 23, 2011

“Consumer study rips Georgia coal plant project,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, June 23, 2011

“Consumer group says coal plant will hike rates,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, June 23, 2011

“Report: New coal plant is too costly,” Marietta Daily Journal, June 23, 2011

“Report: Plant Washington would raise power bills,” Macon Daily, June 23, 2011

“Hospitals face new infection rules,” The Brunswick News, June 23, 2011

“Report: Proposed coal plant could hike up energy bills,” Creative Loafing, June 23, 2011

“Fewer Georgians get insurance through jobs,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 21, 2011

“Hospital challenges mount,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 18, 2011

“Georgians kept in dark on hospital infections,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 13, 2011

“Legal battles spotlight hospital authorities’ role,” Georgia Health News, June 2, 2011

“Lower Rates for Federal Health Insurance,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, June 1, 2011

“Ga. PSC OKs slight Georgia Power rate cut,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, May 24, 2011

“PSC vote to reduce Georgia Power’s fuel allowance too little to make a dent in customer bills,” Duluth Weekly, May 24, 2011

“Critics say program for those with pre-existing conditions fails to notify,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 23, 2011

“Law To open more health plans,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, May 16, 2011

“Perks reward WellStar board,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 15, 2011

“Cars, homes lead rise in Georgia consumer complaints,” Florida Times-Union, May 12, 2010

“Deal signs Georgia Power, billboard measures,” Georgia Report, May 12, 2011

“Huge hospital markups burden patients,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 17, 2011.

“Georgia Watch urges PSC to adopt cost controls on Vogtle nuclear construction,” The Weekly, April 4, 2011.

“Cost overruns on new Plant Vogtle reactors, who should pay?” WSAV-TV, March 31, 2011. This article, written by Joann Merrigan, was also picked up by WJBF-TV.

“Mortgage brokers, consumer groups at odds over new Fed rules,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 29, 2011.

“SB 160 could face ethics challenges,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, March 28, 2011.

“Reform’s unintended result: No kids’ policies,” Georgia Health News, March 25, 2011.

“Despite strong opposition, Senate Bill 160 passes senate ethics committee,” Georgia Watch, republished by Southeast Green, March 23, 2011.

Danny Orrock on GPB’s “Lawmakers,” March 16, 2011.

“Georgia earns a “C” in annual report on transparency of government spending,” Georgia PIRG, March 16, 2011.

“Senate panel backs contributions by utilities,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 7, 2011. This article, written by the AJC, was also picked up by Progressives United.

“House passes Oxendine license bill,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 4, 2011.

“Alliance Opposes SB 160 – Disputes Senator Balfour’s claim of ‘current law’ being ‘blatantly unconstitutional,’” Cumming Home, March 3, 2011.

“Tea Party comes home, brings Georgia Ethics Alliance with them; calls BS on Balfour’s interpretation of constitution,” PeachPundit, March 3, 2011.

“Georgia Legislature surrenders to utilities,” Gainesville Times, March 2, 2011. This article, written by the Tom Crawford, was also picked up by the Early County News, the Blackshear Times, Charlton County Herald, and the Columbia County News-Times.

“Georgia Watch: ID theft rising,” Albany Herald, March 2, 2011.

“NCPHIF covered by Georgia Watch,” NCPHIF, March 1, 2011.

“1 in 21 Americans hit by ID theft,” Fox 31 Online, March 1, 2011. This article, written by the Allen Carter, was also picked up by Pi NewsWire.

“Bill: Allow utilities to fund candidates,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, February 28, 2011.

“Utilities Could Fund Campaigns Under Bill,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, February 25, 2011.

“Ethics, Lobbyists and Rules! Oh, My!” Peach Pundit, February 21, 2011.

“Angela Speir Phelps on ethics reform,” Newsmakers with Tim Bryant on 1340am WGAU, February 17, 2011. For an audio file of Tim Bryant’s interview with Angela Speir Phelps, click here.

“Alliance decries moneyed special interests,” Macon Telegraph, February 17, 2011.

“Lobbyists supply special-interest feast for Georgia legislators,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, February 17, 2011.

“Reform advocates press legislators for stronger ethics laws,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, February 16, 2011.

“C.H.A.R.G.E. is on board with Ethics Alliance to push for tougher ethics legislation,” C.H.A.R.G.E., February 14, 2011.

“HTS grad in the news,” Georgia Tech HTS Blog, February 11, 2011.

“Pro & Con: Do Georgia’s electric co-ops need better oversight?” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 9 2011.

“Deal, Ralston relatives get jobs with nursing home lobby,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 7, 2011.

“Lobbyists drop quarter-million dollars on lawmakers in January,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 3, 2011.

“Pro & Con: Should Georgia adopt a $100 cap on gifts from lobbyists?”Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 2, 2011.

“Here are 17,000 reasons for the new ethics law,” Charlton County Herald, January 27, 2011.

“State OKs $5M to assist low-income seniors with winter heating bills, Savannah Morning News, January 26, 2011.

“Georgia PSC releases emergency aid for seniors,” Political Affairs, January 24, 2011.

“Ralston, staff and families took $17,000 lobbyist-funded trip to Germany,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 21, 2011.

“Ethics watchdogs push changes,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 20, 2011.

“Senate banking chairman says he won’t step down,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 20, 2011.

“Low-income seniors to get help with energy bills,” WABE, January 19, 2011.

“Some Atlanta seniors to get help with gas bills,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 19, 2011. This article, written by the Associated Press, was also picked up by the Macon Daily, WSBTV, Access North Georgia, My Fox Atlanta, WJBF-TV, Victoria Advocate, Rome News Tribune, WTOC, Times Union, The Coastal Source, News Channel 9 (Chattanooga), News 12 (Augusta).

“Georgia Watch requests winter heating aid,” Valdosta Today, January 19, 2011.

“Commission approves $5 million to provide assistance to low-income senior citizen natural gas customers,” The Weekly, January 18, 2011.

“PSC approves $5 million to assist low-income seniors with heating bills,” Valdosta Daily Times, January 18, 2011.

“Georgia Power nuclear construction fees to rise earlier than promised,” Atlanta Progressive News, January 15, 2011.

“Cobb case prods new push for EMC changes,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 13, 2011.

“Georgia Supreme Court restores the rights of malpractice victims and juries,” Atlanta Tea Party Examiner, January 13, 2011.

“Community Hospitals Defend Tax Breaks,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 3, 2011.

“Georgia’s Nonprofit Hospitals Defending Tax Breaks,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, January 3, 2011.

2010 News Articles

“Georgia Power Rate Hike Approved,” The Daily Tribune, December 22, 2010.

“Georgia Power Rate Hike Approved,” WABE, December 21, 2010.

“Southern Co. Gets $2.1 Billion Rate Increase Approval,” Bloomberg, December 21, 2010.

“Georgia Power Rate Increases Approved,” The Post-Searchlight, December 21, 2010.

“Georgia Power Has an Early Christmas Present for You,” Beyond the Trestle, December 16, 2010.

“Georgia Power Electric Rate Hike Meets Resistance,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, December 14, 2010.

“Georgia Power, PSC Sticks it to Ratepayers,” Atlanta Progressive News, December 12, 2010.
*This article was republished by Political Affairs.

“PSC Wraps Up Ga. Power Rate Hearings,” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, December 1, 2010.

“Georgia Power Quizzed on Proposed Rate Hike,” Marietta Daily Journal, December 1, 2011.
*This article, written by the Associated Press, was also picked up by the Valdosta Daily Times, Ledger-Enquirer, Athens Banner-Herald, The Brunswick News, Cherokee Tribune, MSN, Bloomberg, Business Week, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, Ventura County Star, The Daily Finance, INO.com, and Forbes.

“Georgia Power Makes Case for Rate Hike,” WABE, December 1, 2010.

“Workshop addresses health care costs,” Tifton Gazette, November 16, 2010.

“Coalition opposes Georgia Power rate hike,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, October 24, 2010.

“CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System Resigns,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, November 10, 2010.

“Nuclear project cancellation leaves Georgia standing alone,” The Institute of Southern Studies, October 11, 2010.

“Georgia Power rate hike described as ‘raw deal,’” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, October 4, 2010.

“Groups Oppose Proposed Rate Hike,” WABE News, October 4, 2010.

“Vogtle’s Man at the Scene, Eyeing Costs of New Reactors,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, September 9, 2010.

“Georgia Power Nuke Fee Higher on Front End,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, September 3, 2010.

“Georgia Power Rate Hike Hearing Tuesday,” Savannah Morning News, August 30, 2010.

“Conservation and Conservatism: How To Be ‘Green,’ But Without the Word,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, August, 28, 2010.

“PSC Staff From on Rate Hike,” Athens Banner-Herald, August 25, 2010.

“PSC Resists Atlanta Gas Rate Hike,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, August 24, 2010.

“Vogtle’s Price Inflation Provision Criticized,” Augusta Chronicle, August 23, 2010.

“Legal Dispute May Cost Georgia Power Customers,” Valdosta Daily Times, August 20, 2010.

“PSC Votes to Give Ga. Power $108 million,” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, August 20, 2010.

“Georgia Skips Federal Aid Request,” Georgia Public Broadcasting, Aug 17, 2010.

“Hearings on $615 million power hike request not held in Columbus,” iStockAnalyst.com, August 5, 2010.

“Utility Regulators to Hold Hearings Over Proposed Rate Hikes,” WABE, August 4, 2010.

“Process: PSC to Hold Rate-Increase Hearings in Macon, Rome, Savannah,” Creative Loafing, August 3, 2010.

“Georgia Power Request Tops $1 billion,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, July 1, 2010.
*This article, written by Margaret Newkirk, was also picked up by IstockAnalyst.com.

“Georgia Power Rate Hike Will Exceed $1 billion,” Tom Crawford’s Georgia Report, July 1, 2010.

“Georgia Power Co. Customer Bills Stand to Go Up,” The August Chronicle, July 1, 2010.

“Vote on Pipeline Delayed, Gas Plan Opposed,” Athens Banner-Herald, June 18, 2010.

“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.

“Hospital deal bad medicine for public,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, March 31, 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.

“Consumers lack voice at PSC as big utility cases loom, advocates say,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 20, 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.

“Georgia Watch says Perdue’s consumer chief missing in action in utility rate cases,” San Francisco Examiner, January 22, 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 News Articles

“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.

“Medical bills can make you ill: Avoid phantom expenses,” Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Octorber 20, 2009.

“Doing Harm: Phoebe Factoids Revisited in Documentary,” Building a Better Mousetrap Blog, October 19, 2009.

“Your morning jolt: A documentary and the race for attorney general,” Atlanta Journal Constitution, October 15, 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 Watch: State lags in health care affordability,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, October 13, 2009.

“Georgia gets a ‘D’ for housing, home ownership,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, September 22, 2009.

“Nahmias adds conservative voice to GA high court,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 13, 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.

“Pro & Con: Should Congress pass more laws to regulate payday loans?” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 4, 2009.

“Watchdog group shares date,” Rome News-Tribune, August 2, 2009.

“Military pays price for financing plan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 24, 2009.

“Advocacy group: Floyd Medical Center, others driving up cost of health care,” Rome News-Tribune, 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.

Dueling Op-eds: “Do Georgians gain from PSC voteon nuke plants?” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 26, 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.

The real Public Service Commisson: Lawmakers in the General Assembly,” Macon Telegraph, March 1, 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 News Articles

“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.

“Georgia’s ‘accidental regulator’ joins watchdog group,” Atlanta Journal- Constitution, 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.

“Law lets Georgians ‘freeze’ their credit to protect against identity thieves,” Macon Telegraph, 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.

“Perdue signs bill allowing concealed weapons in public venues and OKs state budget, auto insurance measure,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 15, 2008.

“Editorial: Auto insurance bill lets the free market operate,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 14, 2008.

“Consumer protection becomes law today,” WSB Radio, May 13, 2008.

“Ga. adopts low-fee credit freeze, other consumer protection laws,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 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 News Articles

“Free program help with taxes,” Bainbridge Post-Searchlight, March 14, 2007.

“Bill will make car insurance rates go up, says commissioner,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 06, 2007.

“Senate approves measure that could boost auto insurance coverage,” The Associated Press, published in the Macon Telegraph and Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, March 06, 2007.

“Opinion: A little step is better than none,” Macon Telegraph, March 04, 2007.

“Protecting yourself from identity theft,” WTVM-9 News Columbus, televised February 21, 2007.

“Lawmakers agree to help thwart identity thieves,” Albany Herald, February 20, 2007.

“Credit freeze adopted, Ga. Lawmakers disagree on cost,” The Associated Press, published in the Macon Telegraph, Cherokee Tribune, and Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, February 20, 2007.

“Georgia’s new responses to identity theft,” State Auto Insurance Companies, February 06, 2007.

“‘Georgia Watch: Looking out for you,” WPGA-TV, January 28, 2007.

”Consumer groups pushing uninsured motorist legislation,” Macon Telegraph, January 15, 2007.

“‘Credit report freeze bill makes it through house committee,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 14, 2007.

“Insurance Premiums Rise, Even for Doctor’s Group,” WALB-TV, December 03, 2007.

‘“Phoebe prices criticized,” WALB-TV, November 29, 2007.

‘“Group Criticizes Phoebe,” Albany Herald, November 29, 2007.

“‘Archbold Execs Paid More,” Thomasville Times-Enterprise, November 28, 2007.

“‘Proposed Law Stirs Emotion Over Stacking Policies,” Atlanta Business Chronicle, November 23, 2007.

“‘State Punts, Locals Can Protect Their Own Consumers,” Creative Loafing, October 10, 2007.

Credit Freeze Legislation, Fox 5, October 10, 2007.

Editorial: “Credit Lock Box,” Savannah Morning News, October 10, 2007.

“‘Watchdog Groups Still Pushing for Credit Freeze,” Associated Press, published in many publications, including Business Week, Forbes, Macon Telegraph, CNN, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Augusta Chronicle, and CNN; October 10, 2007.

Editorial: “Credit Firms Win in Bill,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 10, 2007.

Editorial: “Credit Freeze Fee Too Pricey,” Albany Herald, October 5, 2007.

“‘Georgia Watch at Rotary,” BainbridgeGA.com, October 5, 2007.

‘”There’s a Red Flag Waving Here,” Macon Telegraph, August 29, 2007.

“Lawmaker Who Sells Insurance Wants Rates Raised,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 24, 2007.

“‘From Dream House to Nightmare,” Bryan County News, August 5, 2007.

“‘Auto Insurers Don’t Need the Green Light.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

, August 24, 2007.

”Retail Clinic Opens in Stockbridge”, Henry Herald, August 20, 2007.

”Support, Don’t Cut, Grady’s Vital Services.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

June 3, 2007.

”Consumer Group Chastises Grady,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 31, 2007.

Bill Shipp: ”Howard Needed More in Governor’s Mansion,” May 23, 2007.

”Court Sides with Consumers – Twice,” Macon Telegraph, May 18, 2007.

”Judging the Legislature’s Winners, Losers,” Associated Press, April 23, 2007.

”Legislature Passes Consumer Bills,” Morris News Service, April 21, 2007.

”Measures to Privatize Cities Roil Legislature,” Fulton County Daily Report, March 30, 2007.

”Payday Loans Dead for Now,” Albany Herald, March 29, 2007.

Session’s Report Card Takes Shape: House Vote Kills Payday Loans for Year, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 28, 2007.

”Bill to Lift Payday Lending Ban Strikes out in House,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, March 28, 2007.

”Payday Lending Bill Ends in Tie: Sponsor Requests that Bill be Revisited,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 20, 2007.

”Georgia Senators Try to Retool Immunity to ER Docs,” Associated Press, March 18, 2007.

”Payday Lending in Georgia,” Macon Telegraph, March 15, 2007.

”Don’t Rush the Welcome Mat,” Macon Telegraph, March 15, 2007.

”Payday Lending Crossover Day Casualty,” Gwinnett Daily Post, March 14, 2007.

”Time to Right a Wrong,” Macon Telegraph, March 08, 2007.

”Elevated But Still Wet: Homeowners are Warned Against Developing in Former Wetlands,” Savannah Morning News, March 07, 2007.

”‘Private Cities’ Measure Back Before Lawmakers,” Gwinnett Daily Post, March 04, 2007.

“‘True Believers: Meet Three Dedicated Political Advocates,” Georgia Trend, February 2007.

”D.A., Groups Oppose Proposed Repeal of Payday Lending Ban,” Bainbridge Post-Searchlight, February 28, 2007.

”Payday Lending Debate Returns to Georgia,” Morris News Service, February 24, 2007.

”Fighting the Good Fight,” Pine Magazine, February 21, 2007.

”Consumer Groups Attack Payday Lending Bill,” The Henry Herald, February 20, 2007.

”Payday Lending Poised for Comeback,” Capitol Impact’s Georgia Report, February 19, 2007.

”Malpractice Law Reforms of 2005 Get Mixed Reviews,” Gainesville Times, February 18, 2007.

”Proposal: Require Insurance Commissioner to OK Rate Hikes,” Associated Press, February 13, 2007.

”Bill Aims to Thwart Identity Thieves,” Associated Press, February 12, 2007.

”Bill Would Repeal Payday Loan Ban,” Bainbridge Post-Searchlight, February 02, 2007.

”Payday Loan Bill: Reps Hit New Low,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 26, 2007.

”State Should Avoid ‘Cash Advance’ Lender System,” Macon Telegraph, January 26, 2007.

”Bill Would Allow Credit Report Freeze,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 26, 2007.

”Proposal Would Repeal Payday Lending Law,” Associated Press, January 25, 2007.

“‘Legislature 2007: Health Care Bills Make Rounds at Capitol,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 25, 2007.

”Legislature 2007: Bills Aimed at ID Theft Prevention Reoffered,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 12, 2007.

“‘Payday Lenders Under Fire from Courts,” Fulton County Daily Report, January 09, 2007.

”Milder Weather Clouds Needed,” Morris News Service, January 04, 2007.

2006 News Articles

”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.

”Malpractice law overhaul still a divisive issue,” Gwinnett Daily Post and the Albany Herald, February 12, 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.

”Legislature 2006: High court overturns part of tort reform law,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 14, 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.

”Republican-led Legislature out to punish consumers,” Athens Banner-Herald and the Marietta Daily Journal, February 26, 2006.

”Disclosure not enough,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 27, 2006.

”Where has legislative compassion gone?” Macon Telegraph, February 27, 2006.

”Letter to the Editor: Plain folks can’t pay politicians’ price,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 28, 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.

”Letters to the Editor: Tort Reform,” Gainesville Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 12, 2006.

”Letter to the Editor: Title pawn bill doesn’t really help consumers,” Athens Banner-Herald, March 23, 2006.

”Voters may be faced with choice between greed and stupidity,” Cherokee Tribune, Marietta Daily Journal, Bainbridge Post-Searchlight and the Athens Banner-Herald, March 22, 2006.

”Legislature 2006: Business Legislation: Firms have to settle for less,” Journal-Constitution, April 1, 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.

”Group’s accounting raises concerns over financial credibility,” The Associated Press, October 8, 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” campaign urges consumers to be wary of homes built in wetlands,” Savannah Morning News, November 18, 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.

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