Madigan: New Law Effective January 1 Allows Consumers To 'Freeze' Credit Reports, Reduce Risk of Identity Theft 12/27/2006

CHICAGO—Beginning Monday, January 1, Illinois consumers will have access to a powerful new tool to stop identity thieves from opening new credit in their names.

Statement of Illinois PIRG Director Brian Imus on the Latest Transit Bailout 12/31/1969

Last week, with just days before dramatic fare increases and service cuts to the region's transit system, Governor Blagojevich found money to temporarily bail out transit service in Northeastern Illinois. While the Governor may characterize this as a gift, commuters should wait before sending a thank you note.

Consumer Group Alerts Shoppers To Hidden Toy Hazards 11/22/2005

CHICAGO—Hazardous toys continue to be sold in stores across the country, according to the 20th annual toy safety survey released today by Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG).

Paying the Price: The High Cost of Prescription Drugs for Uninsured Americans 7/11/2006

Millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans struggle to afford the medicines they need, even forgoing medically necessary drugs when prices are out of reach. When discussing the high cost of prescription drugs, politicians often focus on the financial burden carried by senior citizens. Unfortunately, as this report shows, high prescription drug prices are a problem for Americans of all ages, particularly for the uninsured.

Trouble in Toyland: The 20th Annual Survey of Toy Safety 11/22/2005

Toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by product safety advocates and parents and the leadership of Congress, state legislatures and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Nevertheless, as parents venture into crowded malls and browse for the perfect toy on the Internet this holiday season, they should remain vigilant about often hidden hazards posed by toys on store shelves.

Trouble in Toyland: 21st Annual Toy Safety Survey 11/21/2006

Toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by product safety advocates and parents and the leadership of Congress, state legislatures and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Nevertheless, as parents venture into crowded malls this holiday season, they should remain vigilant about often hidden hazards posed by toys on store shelves.

Ethics office a step forward 3/23/2008

On March 11, Congress took the unusual step of establishing a new Office of Congressional Ethics. It will have an independent board to look into allegations of ethical misconduct.

State can't afford subprime answer on payday loans 3/19/2008

Even as the subprime mortgage meltdown continues to roil the nation’s financial markets, debate is warming up in Springfield over an eerily similar lending matter: payday loans.