Schwarzenegger Aides Have Insurance Backgrounds
Two high-ranking aides to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) previously worked for insurance firms, a situation that has drawn criticism from some consumer advocates who say the governor's legislative actions generally are consistent with industry positions, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Dan Dunmoyer, a former lobbyist for the insurance industry, serves as Schwarzenegger's deputy chief of staff, and former State Farm executive Kathleen Webb serves as the governor's insurance adviser.
The Times reports that Schwarzenegger "has sided with -- or at least not opposed" insurers in about nine out of 10 cases, citing a review of 56 bills tracked by insurance groups. For example, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have transferred responsibility for paying the medical expenses of some accident victims from the state to insurance companies and another measure that would have barred auto insurers from raising rates for home health care workers who treat low-income patients.
Aides to the governor say the insurance industry does not receive preferential treatment (Nicholas, Los Angeles Times, 9/24).