2009-2010 VPIRG Legislative Scorecard
August 4, 2010
CleanEnergy, Report, ConsumerProtection, Democracy, HealthCare, HealthyEnvironment, VTYankee
VPIRG produces a scorecard of key votes at the conclusion of each legislative biennium. You can use this year’s scorecard to find out how your representatives in the Vermont House and Senate voted on VPIRG-backed legislation to promote clean energy, reduce exposure to toxins, make health care more accessible and affordable and protect our democracy.
(If directed to a page with garbled text, please scroll to the bottom to download.)
Bailout Report Card: What did Obama’s Team Learn? Second in Series
June 22, 2009
Report, ConsumerProtection
“We need better clarity on the rules of the game.”
- Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, to House Financial Services Committee, March 24, 2009
Leading economists, members of Congress and the Administration have very different ideas as to the
chances that the Financial Stability Programs (formerly Troubled Asset Relief Programs) will increase
lending, increase the flow of credit, keep families in their homes and ultimately stabilize the economy. No
one may have the complete answer on that – but everyone has a suggestion and a criticism for moving
Consumer Tips for the Downturn
March 1, 2009
Report, ConsumerProtection
OSPIRG's consumer program works to strengthen consumers' power in the market place, which is of continuing importance today in light of these tough economic times. Consumers in a struggling economy stand to be especially harmed by unfair practices, scams, ripoffs, and fraud. All too often there is an information gap between corporations and consumers, and this guide attempts to bridge at least some of that gap. The tips and knowhow included here are good advice in any economic climate, but they are especially important in this economy.
Failed Bailout: Lessons For Obama From Bush’s Failures On TARP
February 1, 2009
Report, ConsumerProtection
"If the taxpayers are helping you, then you've got certain responsibilities to not be living high on the hog,"
-- President Barack Obama to the Associated Press on Feb. 4, 2009.
The Campus Credit Card Trap: A Survey of College Students and Credit Card Marketing
March 14, 2008
Report, ConsumerProtection
Credit card lending is enormously profitable. According to annual Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ (FRB) Reports to Congress, it is the most profitable form of banking. But the credit card industry is saturated. The average adult had nearly five credit cards in 2006 and the average household received 5.7 credit card solicitations monthly in 2004, according to the 2007 FRB report.
Banks seeking even greater profits from credit cards have several options:
