Winning Concrete Results
Fighting Identity Theft
Despite opposition from powerful financial institutions, TexPIRG helped convince the Legislature in 2003 and 2005 to adopt strong standards to protect Texans' privacy and give consumers greater tools to protect and clear their names.Alerting Parents To Dangerous Toys
In November 2004, TexPIRG published its annual survey of unsafe toys, prompting six enforcement actions by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Over the last 19 years, the report has resulted in at least 100 recalls and other enforcement actions, and spurred passage of a toy safety labeling law in 1994.
Ensuring Responsible Lending
Working with a broad coalition of military, religious and civil rights organizations, TexPIRG beat back efforts to legalize unaffordable and usurious payday loans in 2005.
Working for Affordable Prescription Drugs
In May 2005, TexPIRG helped convince the Legislature to establish a state program to help Texas families purchase affordable prescription drugs from Canada.
Holding Corporations Accountable
In the wake of Enron and other corporate scandals, TexPIRG helped pass unprecedented state and federal reform laws in 2002. The laws establish a federal accounting review board, set tough penalties for cheating, require paper trails, and bar accountants from accepting employment with their clients.
Making Austin Smoke-Free
On May 1, 2005, TexPIRG helped turn out Austin voters in support of an indoor smoking ban that will let bar and restaurant patrons enjoy their meals or nights out without worrying about the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Correcting Erroneous Credit Reports
In 2004, TexPIRG wrote and released “Mistakes Do Happen,” which found that one in four credit reports contain errors serious enough to cause consumers to be denied credit, apartment or home loans, or even a job.
Pushing for Food Safety
In 2005, TexPIRG convinced Whole Foods and HEB's Central Market stores to label their private-label products with respect to genetically engineered ingredients.
