The breach is just the latest demonstrations of why identity theft reforms are needed. New laws, based on a model law developed by U.S. PIRG, the federation of state PIRGs, and Consumers Union, have already been enacted in over two dozen states, requiring timely notification of any data breaches.

TJX not only failed to announce the breach for several months—in February they reported that the data breach happened at least 10 months longer than previously thought. With no national requirement for disclosure of breaches, and no penalty for companies, there’s little recourse for consumers.

The attorneys general of Massachusetts and Rhode Island have opened formal investigations into the conduct of TJX over the breach. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, herself a victim of identity theft, has promised to make cracking down on the crime a priority of her tenure.

Both MASSPIRG and Maryland PIRG are leading efforts to give their residents the right to timely notification of corporate data breaches and the right to place low-cost, easy-to-use security freezes on their credit reports.

Local Campaigns Defend Public Transit Alternatives

	STATE TRANSIT CAMPAIGNS—Eric Bourassa is advocating better public transit in Massachusetts, one of several states where PIRGs are pushing for better transit policies.

PIRG campaigns nationwide are seeking to advance public transportation that helps people save time and energy, while cutting pollution from cars and trucks.

In California, we’re building a statewide coalition of seniors, environmental advocates, disability rights advocates, and others to sign onto a platform opposing cuts to transit funding. CALPIRG is also educating opinion leaders about the proposed cuts in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget.

In Illinois, a combination of outdated public funding mechanisms and rising costs has forced some tough decisions. Illinois PIRG hopes to partner with community groups this summer to run a public education campaign on transit advocacy.

In Massachusetts, the local transit authority has raised fares for the third time in seven years, in part to pay off debt incurred by projects related to the “Big Dig” construction project.

MASSPIRG is helping to organize a Transportation Investment Coalition that includes business and labor interests, as well as public interest and environmental groups.

In 2006, Pennsylvania, PennPIRG supported Gov. Ed Rendell’s plan to create dedicated transit funding through fees on oil companies.

Thousands of PennPIRG members and other supporters have signed postcards to legislators calling for action to improve the state’s transit system.

Cutting Excessive Subsidies To Oil And Gas Companies

We applauded the U.S. House of Representatives in January, as lawmakers voted 264 to 163 to pass the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6).

The bill would repeal tax breaks and subsidies for the oil industry and invest more than $14 billion in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“This legislation is good news for consumers and our environment,” said U.S. PIRG’s Kate Johnson. “Our dependence on oil can only mean wrenching price hikes in the years to come. We need to develop alternative fuels and we need to start now.”

Our staff helped write and promote the legislation, which was included in Speaker Pelosi’s “100 hours” agenda.

The fund created by the bill could be used to promote energy efficiency, expand research and development of clean energy technologies, and extend tax credits for clean energy sources.