Protecting Consumers News Releases

Today, TexPIRG, the Young Invincibles, the Center for American Progress, and Campus Progress released a joint report on the looming threat of a major hike in the federal student loan interest rate. If Congress fails to act by July 1, the interest rate for Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan will double, rising to 6.8 percent. 7.4 million American students will see the interest rates on their student loans double, effectively raising the average cost of college by over $1,000 for millions of students and their families.

Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, according to the Texas Public Interest Research Group’s (TexPIRG’s) 26th annual Trouble in Toyland report. The report reveals the results of laboratory testing on toys for lead and phthalates, both of which have been proven to have serious adverse health impacts on the development of young children.  The survey also found toys that pose either choking or noise hazards.

Statement of TexPIRG Advocate Melissa Cubria on the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives, strengthening the Food and Drug Administration’s food safety authority for the first time in seventy years.

Statement of TexPIRG Advocate Melissa Cubria on the U.S. Senate’s 79 – 16 vote to pass the Fiscal Year 2011 Consolidated Appropriations Act, with a crucial amendment to fully fund the Pell Grant program.