Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, February 27
Feb 27, 2009
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Florida Citizens’ Board Member With Ties to Sansom Resigns
A key figure in allegations that former House Speaker Ray Sansom misused his previous office as the chamber’s budget chairman has resigned from the board that oversees a state-created insurance company.
Senator Nelson: Feds Should Back Up Florida Hurricane Fund
With another hurricane season fast approaching and state lawmakers looking for ways to cover a big hit, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is renewing a push in Congress to pass legislation that would provide emergency federal aid to cover property losses in the event of major catastrophe in the Sunshine State.
State Farm Net Worth Drops $10 Billion; Loss Of More Than $500 Million Reported
State Farm today reported its net worth dropped $10.4 billion-to end the year at $53.3 billion-and an after-tax loss of $542 million for 2008.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Workers’ Comp Fix Likely
The House is likely to spend some time this week on a workers compensation bill, according to Acting House Speaker Larry Cretul, who on Tuesday is expected to drop the “acting” from his title.
U.S. Pays $100M to Florida Cold War Workers with Occupation Illnesses
The U.S. Department of Labor said it has paid more than $100 million in compensation and medical benefits to Florida residents under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).
Prescribed Fire Protects Natural Areas and Contributes to Safety of Residents, Bronson Says
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today reminded state residents of the vital role that prescribed or controlled burning plays in maintaining the health of Florida’s forests and other natural areas, as well as protecting the safety of residents and visitors.
Florida Insurance Crisis: Solutions Can’t Wait
Now that the state has given State Farm Florida conditional approval to leave Florida’s property insurance market, Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders can drop their populist rhetoric and start working on how to make hurricane coverage viable.
Ross Announces He’ll Seek 12th District Seat in Congress
Dennis Ross kicked off his 2010 campaign for the 12th Congressional District with a little help from his friends, the Republican national committeeman for Florida, the Polk County state committeewoman and former Gov. Jeb Bush, who sent a letter of endorsement.
Florida Senate president has politics in his blood
When friends say Senate President Jeff Atwater has Florida politics in his blood, they’re not just talking in metaphors. Governor No. 19, Napoleon Bonaparte Broward (1905-1909), is his great-grandfather. Governor No. 23, Cary Hardee (1921-1925), is his great-uncle.
Florida Supreme Court Releases 2009 Annual Report to the Legislature
Each year the Supreme Court issues its opinion certifying the need for new judges throughout the State of Florida, a requirement imposed upon the Court by the state Constitution.
Florida Supreme Court seeks 68 judges
The Florida Supreme Court says the state needs 68 new judges to handle a growing caseload due largely to increases in crime and foreclosures resulting from hard economic times.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Phone Companies Want to Yank Back the Lifeline
The Florida Public Service Commission will take up a request from several phone companies to deny discounts under the federal Lifeline phone assistance program to customers who sign up for bundle packages..
Scripps Florida’s grand opening comes after five years
Payback for taxpayers depends on who rides biotech lab’s coattails
The Scripps Research Institute officially held the grand opening of its Jupiter center Thursday, with a public ceremony and tour that drew many dignitaries including Gov. Charlie Crist.
Florida Third In Nation For Identity Theft
Florida ranks third in the nation in the number of identity theft complaints filed, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Florida banks lose $1.1 Billion in Fourth Quarter
The losses at Florida-chartered banks and thrifts reached $1.12 billion in the fourth quarter, a 26 percent drop further into the red from the $889 million in losses they suffered in the third quarter.
Invalid Ballots in Florida Doubled in 2008
Florida, which struggled with balloting problems in the 2000 presidential election, switched virtually all voting to paper ballots and optical scanners for the 2008 election. A study has found, however, that twice as many ballots were rejected as invalid in 2008 as in 2004.
High Speed Rail Authority Awaits Word From Crist
So far, the governor has been noncommittal on the plan.
The state’s High Speed Rail Authority made one point abundantly clear Thursday when deciding whether to seek federal economic stimulus money to fund the rail program – it must have the governor’s blessing.
Moody’s downgrades Swiss Re ratings
Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the insurance financial strength and debt ratings of Swiss Reinsurance Company and associated companies.
Louisiana picks new company to run Road Home program
Another company has been chosen to run to the Road Home homeowner recovery program after the state’s contract with the heavily criticized ICF International Inc. ends in June, Louisiana’s hurricane recovery chief announced Thursday.
Months In, Insurers Ask Whether Federal Aid Is On Its Way
The Treasury’s evolving program to bolster the nation’s financial system does not address directly a key group: insurance companies.Though they were led to believe that the second wave of money released by the Treasury would help some of them, insurers are now uncertain what if any relief might come their way.
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