Yesterday the Consumer Federation of the Southeast released it’s in front of the Florida Legislature.
“TALLAHASSEE – The Consumer Federation of the Southeast (CFSE) today released its April Fools’ Day “Crazy 8 Hall of Shame” list of the special interests that are “playing consumers for fools.” CFSE Executive Director Walt Dartland released the list via a Web video.”
1. The Florida Medical Association. The Florida Medical Association is pushing sneaky legislation (HB 855) to raise the cost of medical care for consumers.
2. Big health insurers. Many big health insurance companies are trying to cut costs by switching patients from drugs prescribed by their doctors to less expensive drugs, even if they are chemically different and not designed to treat the same illness.
3. Tobacco companies, and the legislators who defend them. Florida could raise nearly $1 billion a year in desperately needed revenue by raising Florida’s tobacco tax rate from among the lowest in the country and closing a loophole that allows off-brand tobacco companies to charge less and grow their market share.
4. Phone companies. Phone company giants are pushing for legislation (CS-SB 2626/CS-HB 1465) they say will lower consumer rates through competition under the friendly sounding but misleading name of the ”Consumer Choice and Protection Act.’
5. Utility companies. Florida is one big storm away from weeks of darkness because the state’s energy companies rely on just two pipelines to bring natural gas to Florida.
6. Credit card companies. This is the only industry that can change its price AFTER consumers purchase the service.
7. Auto insurance companies. Insurance companies are prohibited from “redlining” – setting rates based on the neighborhood where someone lives.
8. Payday loan companies. Payday loan companies pay consumers advances on paychecks while they extract outrageous interest rates.
I just selected the first sentence, go to to learn more about what the CFSE thinks is wrong with these bills.
You can find your representative , and send them an email if you have an opinion you want to share.
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