A Selection of PennPIRG's Top Accomplishments: Results For Pennsylvania Consumers
Exposing Unsafe Toys
PennPIRG’s 22nd annual “Trouble in Toyland” report found that some children’s jewelry contained high lead content, which could severely sicken a child if swallowed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is now considering restricting lead content in children’s jewelry.
Giving Consumers Free Credit Reports
Legislation that PennPIRG fought for in Congress became effective in 2005, allowing consumers one free copy of their credit report each year.
Blocking Identity Thieves
PennPIRG-backed legislation allowing consumers to freeze access to their credit reports was signed by Gov. Rendell in November 2006. Freezing your credit report is the most effective step you can take to stop potential identity thieves from opening new lines of credit in your name.
Challenging Predatory Lending
PennPIRG beat back legislation in 2005 that would allow unscrupulous payday lenders to charge interest rates of up to 900 percent for small, short term loans. These loans prey upon low-income Pennsylvanians, locking them into a cycle of unmanageable debt.
Promoting Safer Hospitals
New reports, called for by PennPIRG, show that Pennsylvania hospitals reported more than 19,154 cases in which patients acquired infections in the hospital during their visits due to inadequate sanitary practices or procedures. Now Pennsylvania is working to reduce hospital acquired infections.
Advocating Wider Access To Health Care
In 2005, PennPIRG helped convince Gov. Rendell to compel four Blue Cross plans across the state to use some of their excessive surplus to provide health insuranceto 29,000 Pennsylvanians for the next six years.
Saving Consumers Money on Winter Heat
PIRG Fuel Buyers saved consumers in the Delaware Valley over $196,000 in the2005-2006 season by using the buying power of members to negotiate lower pricesfrom unregulated oil dealers. Fuel Buyers’ advocacy also increased state assistance for low-income heating programs by up to $20 million in 2005.
Holding Corporations Accountable
In July 2002, President Bush signed into law a landmark proposal to hold corporate executives accountable to investors and employees, thanks in part to PennPIRG's advocacy. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is a solid first step in preventing future Enron-like scandals.
