Unfortunately for California, June's election results have not served as the deterrent some may have hoped. November brings a new crop of initiatives bankrolled by some of our nation's most notorious polluters and corporate bad actors.

"The state's interest is in collecting tolls. Period." Said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. "that's all the data should be used for. I'm pleased to see the Legislature endorse this level of protection."

Consumer activists expressed anger that the amendment was even drafted so late in the session. Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, said "these kind of last-minute moves are for things that won't hold up if exposed to sunlight. It is not a good way to govern."

Joining the CNA will be the California Teachers Association, California Professional Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Consumer Federation of California, California 9-5, National Association of Working Women, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Labor Federation, Equality California, California School Employees Association, and others.

A move to ban alcohol sales at market self-checkout counters in California is being fueled by two San Diego studies that suggest they make it easier for underaged buyers. Legislation to enact such a ban could come up on the state Senate floor as early as Wednesday.

"The candidates we endorsed have solid records of standing up for the interests of California consumers. We look forward to working with them when they take office in the state legislature," said Richard Holober, CFC Executive Director.

"The corrosive influence of corporate money in the state capitol undermines every piece of legislation consumers care about..." said Zack Kaldveer, spokesperson for the Consumer Federation of California.

California Treasurer Bill Lockyer has named Richard Holober, Consumer Federation of California Executive Director, to serve on a Blue Ribbon Commission to study the impact of the planned closing of the Fremont NUMMI plant on the state’s economy.

John Perez is a superb choice for Speaker of the California State Assembly. John is a staunch advocate for justice and opportunity for all Californians, on the job, in the marketplace and in the community.

"These are a few bright spots in a pretty dismal year for consumers. The most far reaching, pro-consumer legislation failed to even pass the legislature," said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the CFC. "Of the 14 bills we identified as most important that did reach the Governor’s desk, he took the side of the consumer in only six instances..."

PG&E spent $46 million of its ratepayer dollars on Prop 16 to make sure our electric rates remain high, without asking the consent of its ratepayers.

...all but one of the donors to the ballot committee opposing Prop 15 comes from either a lobby firm, individual lobbyist, or a lobby employer – including BP's lobby firm, Political Solutions.

Prop 16 is a laboratory example of how the ballot initiative has been twisted from its initial purpose of serving citizen democracy into yet another weapon in the arsenal of an arrogant special interest. Our votes should speak louder than PG&E’s millions. This June, send Prop 16 packing.

The Consumer Federation of California witnesses first hand how this "pay to play" system undermines the public interest, as one proposed consumer protection law after another is crushed under a ton of corporate special-interest donations.

...the effect of broadcasters' refusal to provide under-funded campaigns free response time since the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine for ballot measures...has been to increase the amount of one-sided information voters receive before entering the voting booth.

Last year, a bill that would've outlawed selling expired baby food and formula in California passed the state Legislature, but it was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who argued that current laws were sufficient. Holober said the amount of expired food and formula that the I-Team found for sale shows that the current law is not sufficient.