Consumer Protection
Report finds ComEd scheme caused utility rate hikes for Illinoisans
Illinois PIRG has released "Guaranteed Profits, Broken Promises," a report examining years of actions that, according to federal prosecutors, constituted a corrupt bribery scheme on the part of the utility Commonwealth Edison to win favorable legislation. The report found that, as a result, Illinoisans have been paying 37 percent higher electricity delivery rates.
COVID-19
Nursing Home Safety During COVID: PPE Shortages
A report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group found that nationally, the number of nursing homes out of PPE actually tripled between July and August.
Consumer Protection
Auto Loan Complaints Rise
A review of complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Consumer Complaint Database reveals a sharp spike in consumer complaints about auto purchasing, leasing and finance since the beginning of the pandemic.
Public Health
Responding to the COVID crisis
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need to work together to ensure that our government has a coordinated, strategic response to safeguard the public’s health, protect consumers from emerging dangers and ensure people can still participate fully in our democracy.
We can't do it without you.
Illinois PIRG is your advocate for the public interest, speaking out for healthier, safer, more secure lives for all of us.
News & Research
This is a dangerous time for our city and state, and preventing unnecessary deaths must remain our top priority. Finding the new U.K. variant in Chicago means to stop the spread of the virus, we should redouble safety efforts, not ease them.
McDonald’s announced a commitment to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging used in its restaurants by 2025. PFAS are linked to kidney and liver problems, high cholesterol, reduced immune system function, and cancer.
The Illinois General Assembly passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act today, which will implement a 36 percent interest rate cap on consumer loans, including payday and car title loans.
The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act today, which if passed by the Senate, would implement a 36 percent interest rate cap on consumer loans, including payday and car title loans.
With vaccines here, it may soon be time to reschedule vacations and other trips for later this year
RESOURCE
Coronavirus update
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve taken steps for all of our staff to work remotely for safety reasons. But rest assured, we’ll keep advocating for you as we work for a healthier, safer world.
Learn more about how we can work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic.