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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Food

Food Safety Scares 2013: How FDA Delays are Putting American Lives at Risk from Unsafe Food

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) delays in implementing the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act have put Wisconsin lives at risk and cost the country $22 million in economic costs, according to a new report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Here in Wisconsin in the last 12 months, 34 people were made sick from foodborne illnesses and the cost in Wisconsin was $236,604. Contaminated food makes 48 million Americans sick every year.

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Report | WISPIRG Foundation | Financial Reform

Private Loans, Public Complaints

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was established in 2010 in the wake of the worst financial crisis in decades. Its mission is to identify dangerous and unfair financial practices, to educate consumers about these practices, and to regulate the financial institutions that perpetuate them.  This report is the second of several that will review complaints to the CFPB nationally and on a state-by-state level.

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Financial Reform

New Report Identifies Most Troublesome Private Lenders to Students

Thousands of American students are using the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) public Consumer Complaints Database to settle disputes about private student loans, according to a new report from the WISPIRG Foundation. Sallie Mae, the student lending giant, generated the most private student loan complaints in Wisconsin, and ranked first in every other state. Student loan borrowers in Wisconsin carry $22,400 on average in total student loan debt.

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Transportation

New Study Finds Technology Enabling Americans to Drive Less

In a first-of-its-kind study, WISPIRG compiled nation-wide evidence on transportation apps and vehicle sharing programs, like Madison Metro’s Bus Radar, Community Car and B-Cycle, and found that these advanced new tools have made it easier for Americans to drive less. Real-time apps and on-board wi-fi for public transit, as well as carsharing, bikesharing and ridesharing have spread rapidly in recent years. The report examines new evidence on how these practices are changing travel behavior.

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Report | WISPIRG Foundation | Transportation

A New Way to Go

America is in the midst of a technological revolution … and a big shift in our transportation habits. Over the last 15 years, the Internet and mobile communications technologies have transformed the way Americans live and work. During that same period, growth in vehicle travel slowed and then stopped, with Americans today driving about as much on average as we did in 1996.

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News Release | WISPIRG | Consumer Protection

Parents Beware - Many Toys Still Toxic, Hazardous

Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) announced on Tuesday in its 24th annual Trouble in Toyland report.  The group also highlighted the need for state action to protect children from bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical linked to cancer, diabetes, early onset puberty, obesity and hyperactivity that is commonly found in baby bottles and sippy cups.

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Budget

Study: Wisconsin Has Better Reporting on Economic Stimulus Spending Than Most States But Still Needs Improvement

A new study of official state websites focusing on the federal stimulus program finds that Wisconsin ranks better than most states but still needs to improve the quality of its online reporting.

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Consumer Protection

New Report Details Economic Stimulus Potential of Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency

Aggressive energy saving policies would provide for ongoing economic stimulus, saving consumers money, creating jobs and driving Wisconsin’s economy, according to a new report released today by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG).

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Consumer Protection

Retailers Misleading Consumers on the Digital Television (DTV) Transition

In one year, 22 million Americans who rely on free over-the-air analog broadcasting – including many elderly and other vulnerable populations – will be at risk of losing access to TV, which for many is a primary source of news and emergency information as well as entertainment.

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News Release | WISPIRG Foundation | Higher Ed

New Report: Cutting Interest Rates In Half Would Save Working And Middle Class Wisconsin Students Thousands Of Dollars In Debt

A Congressional proposal to cut student loan interest rates in half will save the average lower and middle income borrower $4,420 over the life of their loans, according to a new report by WISPIRG.

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  • Trouble In Toyland
    Our report highlights the toys that have been recently recalled, explains the hazards they pose, and shines a spotlight on those that may still be available for sale online.
    Get the tips
  • Reclaim our democracy
    Our democracy is based on the principle of one person, one vote, but our research shows the increasing dominance of big money in our elections.
    Get the facts
  • Why are health experts alarmed?
    More than 93% of doctors are concerned about the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms, yet factory farms still use up to 70% of all antibiotics sold in the U.S.
    Learn why
  • PROTECT YOURSELF
    We've created consumer tips to help protect you from unfair bank fees, identity theft, loan rip-offs and more.
    Get The Tips

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