You are here

Home >

About ConnPIRG

For more than 20 years, Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski has helped us stand up against big banks and credit card companies.

An Independent Voice For Consumers

ConnPIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security or our right to fully participate in our democratic society. 

For decades, we’ve stood up for consumers, countering the influence of big banks, insurers, chemical manufacturers and other powerful special interests.

Our team of researchers uncovers the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates bring the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.

Our Mission
When consumers are cheated or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, ConnPIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and wellbeing and fight to end them, using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation. ConnPIRG’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.

Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, ConnPIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results. 

 

THE ZERO WASTE SOLUTION

For more than a decade Connecticut has been stuck at a 30 percent recycling rate. By speaking to thousands throughout the state, testifying at hearings and delivering over 6,000 postcards to Gov. Molloy, we brought the voice of the public to the halls of power and made a future with Zero Waste attainable.>LEARN MORE

 

STOP SUBSIDIZING OBESITY

When big agribusinesses like Monsanto lobbied to keep their billion dollar junk food subsidies, we organized public opposition by talking to over 1 million people  across the country and building a coalition of more than 550 farmers. >LEARN MORE


 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Our toy safety reports and research have led to recalls of more than 150 toxic or dangerous toys, and our advocates have pushed to keep toxic chemicals out of all consumer products. >LEARN MORE

CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOPHOLES

We exposed the Fortune 500 companies like GE and Goldman Sachs who stash their profits overseas to dodge taxes. Offshore tax havens cost us an estimated $150 billion every year. >LEARN MORE



 

 

 

ConnPIRG Staff - A Partial List
ConnPIRG is an advocate for the public interest. When consumers are cheated, or the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by special interest lobbyists, ConnPIRG speaks up and takes action. We uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight for the public interest.


 

ABE SCARR

State Director

 

>CONTACT
>BIO
 


 

ALLISON CAIRO

Regional Director

(312) 291-0349 x303

>CONTACT
>BIO
 


 

ED MIERZWINSKI

Federal Consumer Program Director

(202) 546-9707 x314

>CONTACT
>BIO
 


 

ConnPIRG And The Federation Of State Public Interest Research Groups
ConnPIRG is an independent, state-based, citizen-funded organization that advocates for the public interest and is a member of U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups.

 

Since 1970, state PIRGs have delivered results-oriented citizen activism, stood up to powerful special interests, and used the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation to win real results on issues that matter.

 

Across the country, state PIRGs employ close to 400 organizers, policy analysts, scientists and attorneys, and are active in 47 states, with a federal lobby office in Washington, D.C. On national issues that impact Connecticuters, we also coordinate our efforts, pool resources, and share expertise so that we can have the biggest impact—here in Connecticut and for the country at large.

Funded By Our Citizen Members 

Thousands of ConnPIRG members and supporters fund our staff so we can counter the influence of powerful special interests by: 

 

• conducting research; 

• educating the public; and 

• advocating in the public interest by, for example, making our case face-to-face with elected officials. 

 

Your contribution provides the resources and the clout we need to win real results. 

 

What's New

Report | Transportation

Greasing the Wheels

In the wake of the Minnesota I-35 bridge collapse there was enormous public outcry and recognition of the need to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Americans expected public officials to respond to the tragedy with a large scale effort to address the nearly 73,000 structurally deficient bridges in this country, 358 of which are in Connecticut. The findings in this report suggest that did not happen.

> Keep Reading
Report | ConnPIRG Education Fund | Financial Reform

Who Slows the Pace of Tax Reforms?

As Congress considers international tax reforms that could help pay for health insurance reform, the Administration and Congress have heard from many stakeholders.

> Keep Reading
Media Hit | Health Care

Hot Dogs and Health Care

The issues faced by small businesses in offering health insurance to employees.

> Keep Reading
Report | Transportation

Privatization and the Public Interest

Chicago has been the most aggressive city in the United States in the privatization of public infrastructure. Since 2004, the city has privatized the Chicago Skyway toll road, four downtown parking garages, and the city’s system of 36,000 parking meters, with only the recent financial crisis preventing the privatization of Midway Airport as well.

The recent privatization of city parking meters has drawn particularly harsh public criticism as a result of rate hikes, equipment malfunctions and questions about whether the city received fair value.

> Keep Reading
Report | Democracy

A Public Interest Internet Agenda

Broadband Internet is the means by which increasing numbers of Americans earn a living, receive an education, consume goods and services and participate in their democracy.  Yet despite it’s importance, the United States ranks 15th among developed nations when it comes to broadband deployment. 

> Keep Reading

Pages

Tools & Resources

PRIORITY ACTION

When Big Pharma pays off their competition to keep them from selling lower priced generic drugs, we all pay. Each year this costs Americans an added $3.5 billion.

Take Action

Support Us

Your donation supports ConnPIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.

donate today

Consumer Updates

Join our network and stay up to date on our campaigns, get important consumer updates and take action on critical issues.