Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, July 30
Jul 30, 2010
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Florida Regulators Recover $11 Million for Insurance Policyholders
The Florida Department of Financial Services says it has helped recover more than $11.1 million for Florida’s insurance consumers in the first half of 2010.
Former Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Chief of Staff David Foy leaves Governor’s Office
Two of Gov. Charlie Crist’s top aides, David Foy and Kathy Mears, are leaving the governor’s office. Both are deputy staff chiefs. Foy is going to a “Fortune 500 company” in Texas and Mears next employer is unknown right now.
Storm damages 26 campers at Bartow dealership; losses estimated at $1 million
Trent Huelle knew something was wrong when a stationary 13,000-pound camper was being pushed toward him by a huge gust of wind.
FBI, DEA agents raid two Jacksonville pain clinics
Both are owned by a 78-year-old osteopathic physician
Nearly all of the patients at a North Jacksonville pain clinic raided Thursday were prescribed the same remedy: the highly addictive pain killer oxycodone, the anti-anxiety medicine Xanax and a muscle relaxer called Soma.
Blog: Scott wins appeal in district court — throws out McCollum’s matching $$$
The 11th District Court of Appeal in Atlanta reversed a Florida court Friday and agreed to Republican Rick Scott’s request for an injunction halting Florida’s public financing law, saying it violates his 1st and 14th amendment rights.
Judge’s ruling puts brakes on Florida immigration law efforts
Most lawmakers want tighter regulations and will continue the fight
A federal judge’s ruling blocking parts of the Arizona immigration law could slow the drive to bring similar legislation to Florida, a chief proponent said Wednesday.
- State Senator Bennett will move ahead with his immigration enforcement proposal despite Ariz. ruling
- News Release: Attorney General McCollum issues statement on preliminary injunction in Arizona immigration lawsuit
Senator Nelson calls for probe of BP’s $10 billion tax break
Responding to reports that BP’s $32 billion in oil spill charges could yield $10 billion in tax savings, Sen. Bill Nelson sent a letter yesterday to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and Ranking Member Charles Grassley calling for an investigation.
Officials: Still no food inspections at Florida hospitals
No one is inspecting food preparations at Florida’s hospitals and nursing homes, nearly one month after the inspections were stopped in a budget-cutting move, officials said Friday.
Prosecutorial misconduct alleged in former House Speaker Ray Sansom’s case
Attorneys for former House Speaker Ray Sansom and two co-defendants are in court today trying to throw State Attorney Willie Meggs off their case for “prosecutorial vindictiveness.”
Blog: Florida Cabinet rejects CFO Sink’s appeal for diversity and names veteran on parole board
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet rejected an appeal by CFO Alex Sink Thursday to increase the diversity of the Florida’s Parole Commission and reappointed Tena Pate to the three-person commission, also making her chairman of the board and agency for the next two years.
Public Service Commission to decide if Progress can hike bills to meet efficiency goals
The Florida Public Service Commission will decide next month whether to allow Progress Energy Florida to hike its customers’ bills to an average of $17 a month over 10 years so the company can meet the PSC’s energy efficiency goals.
News Release: Governor Crist Welcomes United Technologies Corp.’s Fire & Security Units to Florida
UTC Fire & Security expands Florida presence, plans new research and test center
For two months a year, they sit six feet from each other on the floor of the Florida Senate, battling the Republican majority in the state Legislature.
Florida attorney general’s race: David Aronberg, Dan Gelber not so far apart
For two months a year, they sit six feet from each other on the floor of the Florida Senate, battling the Republican majority in the state Legislature.
New York Attorney General announces probe of life insurance industry
State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that he had opened a fraud investigation into how life insurers pay out benefits after policyholders die.
Independent Agents Endorse Georgia State Senator Hudgens in Insurance Commissioner Runoff
The Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia has endorsed Senator Ralph Hudgens in the runoff for Insurance Commissioner.
New International Accounting Standard Aims to Clarify Insurers’ Profits
A global accounting standard setter proposed a new rule for measuring insurers’ profitability on Friday, aiming to shine a light on a sector criticised by investors for being a “black box” that keeps them in the dark.
EDITORIAL: Another government-run insurance scheme
Wind coverage would blow a hole in the budget
Some congressional Democrats might actually be having second thoughts about creating new spending programs.
Opinion: Progressive — Lower car insurance rates if they can spy
How would you like to cut your car insurance bill by 25 percent to 30 percent? Sure, everyone would love that.
New Mexico Appoints Franchini As Insurance Superintendent
The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has appointed John G. Franchini Superintendent of Insurance by a 4-1 vote. Franchini, a New Mexico native, boasts nearly four decades of insurance industry-related experience and said he looks to use that experience to move the Division of Insurance forward.
Upcoming Kansas Primary to Decide Next Insurance Commissioner
Experience and support for the new federal health care reform law are the defining issues in a Republican primary for Kansas insurance commissioner that will determine who holds the office for the next four years.
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