Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, April 30
Apr 30, 2010
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Blog: Florida Senate approves measure allowing certain property insurance rate hikes
Today, the Florida Senate passed another broad measure to strengthen the property insurance market and allow certain rate hikes. Senators believe they have again, struck a compromise that satisfies regulators, insurance companies and even some consumer advocates.
Florida governor declares state of emergency in several Panhandle counties for Gulf oil spill
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency in several Panhandle coastal counties because of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Oil spill puts Florida’s tourism industry on edge
- Oil hits Louisiana coast, could reach Florida by Sunday
Governor Crist Appoints David Halstead Emergency Management Director
Governor Charlie Crist today appointed David Halstead as Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. He has been serving as Interim Director since January 2010.
Florida lawmakers OK tax break for homes with Chinese drywall
Floridians with corrosive Chinese drywall in their homes soon could be paying significantly less in local property taxes under a bill heading toward Gov. Charlie Crist’s desk.
Miami-based Insurer Northern Capital canceling policies May 30, state says
All Northern Capital insurance policies will be canceled as of midnight May 30, according to Florida’s Division of Financial Services. The Miami-based insurance company will be liquidated.
Allstate Writing New Business in Florida, Weighs Citizens Policies
The Florida companies of Allstate Insurance Co. have been writing new homeowners and renters business for several months and have now indicated they may also assume some policies from the state-backed insurer, Citizens Insurance Corp.
New rules place more limits on pain clinics
For the second straight year, Florida lawmakers have approved strict new rules for pain clinics, this time limiting the number of pills that can be sold to cash-paying patients, curbing advertising and imposing tougher standards for doctors and clinic owners.
Charlie Crist Declares Independent Run for U.S. Senate
Gov. Charlie Crist didn’t just walk away from the Republican Party Thursday – he ran, saying he would abandon his lifelong GOP voter registration as he launches an independent and unprecedented campaign for the U.S. Senate.
- Capitol crowd reaction to Charlie’s defection? Snickers
- Sen. Mike Haridopolos accuses Gov. Charlie Crist of flip-flopping
- Analysis: Governor ditches GOP
- Analysis: Crist’s move ominous political trend
- Editorial: U.S. Senate race … Crist’s hug in Fort Myers will be felt nationwide
- Editorial: Crist gives himself a chance
- Opponents in uncharted waters, too
- Crist says political system is broken
- Blog: Key lawmakers divided on being seen with Crist
- Editorial: Crist’s move good politics, good for Florida
- New York Times Analysis: Crist Announces Independent Bid for Senate
In Tallahassee today, session to end with budget
Florida legislators have left their last and final day of the 60-day session to take up the only bill they are required to pass: the budget.
Billionaire Democrat Joins Fight for Florida US Senate Seat
A Florida billionaire is jumping into the increasingly congested field vying for Florida’s open U.S. Senate seat. Democrat Jeff Greene’s announcement today comes a day after Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced he would run as an independent.
Abortion ultrasound bill goes to Crist
Florida lawmakers gave final approval to a contentious abortion bill that would require pregnant women to have an ultrasound before an abortion after nearly four hours of at times tearful, disturbing debate.
Economic development bill headed to Gov. Crist
The so-called “Jobs for Florida” bill includes a long menu of tax cuts and incentives designed to stimulate business and create jobs, including tax credits to companies that hire unemployed Floridians. It also sets aside millions for building the aerospace industry and retraining workers affected by the retirement of the space shuttle program.
Blog: Special session for unemployment benefits?
Lawmakers have agreed to extend unemployment benefits for Floridians by 14 weeks but those benefits will run out on June 1 unless they take action before the end of the day tomorrow.
Crist gets Florida election law changes
Legislation to revive and fix a law that unconstitutionally limited political speech is going to Gov. Charlie Crist – again.
Florida Department of Health dodges the bullet — this year
Despite getting targeted by House leaders, the Florida Department of Health will avoid a major makeover this year. Next year could be a different story.
Florida Senate votes to cut sexting penalties
Penalties would be reduced for minors caught sexting under a bill that has cleared the Florida Senate but appears doomed in the House.
Bill aimed at protecting religious rights passed by Flaorida Senate
A bill intended to provide protection for the religious rights of teachers and students by forbidding districts to enter into legal agreements or settlements without their consent was passed today by the Florida Senate.
Who was the most effective legislator of the 2010 session?
Sessions during election years are usually free of any serious debates but this session was filled with a combination of complicated policy fights over issues like Medicaid and job protections for teachers. So who was the most effective legislator this year?
Wrapping up the 2010 legislative session
Lawmakers address pain clinics, redistricting, school prayer and more.
UF survey: Florida’s real estate has bottomed out
Florida real estate has hit bottom and is in the process of stabilizing, according to results of a quarterly survey by the University of Florida.
Oil Spill May Cost Insurers $1.5 Billion in Claims
The growing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by a leaking BP Plc well, may cost the insurance industry as much as $1.5 billion in claims, according to Transatlantic Holdings Inc.
Sen. Chris Dodd Joins on as Co-Sponsor of motor vehicle ‘Right to Repair Act’
Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) has become a co-sponsor of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (S 3181) which was recently introduced into the Senate by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS).
Hurricane-relief delays stir anger and frustration in Texas
With $1.7 billion in Texas’ federal relief money for hurricanes Ike and Dolly stalled – and much of another $1.3 billion allocated for projects but still unspent – one state senator blamed the Obama administration while others said the state shares responsibility.
Beyond the Flood Zone: Storm Surge Multiplies Coastal Vulnerabilities
“Homeowners can mitigate against wind damage, but they’re powerless, really, to do anything against storm surge,” says one researcher whose job it is to develop ways to determine the vulnerability of homes and other properties not only to storm surge, but wildfires, sinkholes, earthquakes and other natural perils.
Insurers Urging Changes In Financial Reform Legislation
As debate continues on financial services reform legislation in the Senate, insurance industry representatives said they will work to eliminate regulatory provisions they consider too “bank-centric.”
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