Consumers Union Unveils Enhanced Interactive Web Site (July 2003).

Provides valuable consumer information, enables consumers to contact
state/federal policymakers directly, and tracks issues that affect consumers' daily lives

WASHINGTON, DC - Consumers Union (CU), the non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports, today unveiled its enhanced, interactive advocacy web site. The site, which can be found at www.consumersunion.org, allows consumers to get involved in policy debates that shape the marketplace through its Take Action Center. Issues include health care, food safety, telecommunications, financial services, and product safety.

"For over 60 years consumers have looked to Consumers Union as a comprehensive source of trusted and expert advice," said Gene Kimmelman, CU's Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. "Part of our mission is to ensure that consumers are protected in the marketplace, and our public policy work is a big part of that mission. We've made our advocacy web site more interactive to engage consumers in the topics that matter most to them."

"Our Take Action Center enables consumers to send email to key decision-makers in Congress, state legislatures, regulatory agencies, as well as the news media, on issues that affect their daily lives," continued Kimmelman.

CU's Take Action Center also enables consumers to write and send their own letters on issues that concern them, find contact information for state and federal policymakers, track legislation, look up PAC contributions to their elected representatives, check the congressional schedule, and much more. Consumers (and reporters) can also sign up for email alerts to stay informed about breaking issues on which they can make a difference.

The updated site also emphasizes the major campaigns and projects CU is currently working on through individual pages that spotlight these key issues. Currently, CU's major campaigns include "Wireless Watchdog" - which looks at cell phone issues, "Who Owns the News?" - a project focusing on media ownership and the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to gut current ownership limits, and "Ban Ephedra" - a national and state level campaign to ban the retail sale of this dangerous dietary supplement.

The site will be kept fresh and up-to-date, with new content being added daily. CU is increasing the number of documents in Spanish, adding more consumer tips, and providing a place for consumers to go if they want to support the organization's work and become more involved.