SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 18 -- The California Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has named a new Public Advisor to assist members of the public and consumer groups with the Proposition 103 intervenor process, under which consumer groups can intervene in proceedings for insurance rate increases and decreases.

"I'm pleased to announce that I have appointed Ed Wu, an enforcement attorney and six-year veteran of the Department, as the new Public Advisor," said Commissioner Jones. "I'm hopeful that his appointment, combined with updated information about the intervenor process, will encourage additional public participation."

Along with the appointment of the new Public Advisor, Commissioner Jones directed him to reach out to consumer groups to educate them about the rate application process.

"A nationwide consumer group has found that Proposition 103 has saved California consumers more than $68 billion," said Commissioner Jones. "Consumer groups are an essential part of the process of determining the right rate for insurance companies to charge consumers. Early in Proposition 103's implementation, former Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush actively discouraged consumer groups from participating in the process. The intervention process requires significant analytical work, and I am confident California's consumer groups can help the Department of Insurance save even more money for insurance consumers."

For more information about Proposition 103, established by California voters in November 1988, or the intervenor process, please visit our Web site and select "Proposition 103 Consumer Intervenor Process."

Consumers interested in the intervenor process can reach Mr. Wu at 213-346-6635 or send an e-mail to intervenoradvisor@insurance.ca.gov.

TNS 23SQ 120719-JF78-3956747 StaffFurigay