Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, September 18
Sep 18, 2009
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Editorial: Groundhog Day in Florida
An addendum to the fiscal forecast shows that the state’s Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is about $7 billion short of meeting its maximum legal obligation. And the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is also $7 billion short of what it may be obliged to pay out if “the big one” hits.
Tampa’s WellCare hiring despite suspension
Even though WellCare Health Plans is still under federal sanctions barring it from marketing or selling its drug and HMO plans to Medicare beneficiaries, the Tampa-based insurer is hiring sales people for those programs.
Fla. Gov. Crist catching heat amid ACORN controversy
The tidal wave of controversy over ACORN swept rapidly through Florida on Thursday with dozens of angry people contacting Gov. Charlie Crist’s office and his political rival questioning his ties to the organization.
FPL rate hearing in Fla. touches on threats, jets
Florida’s changing regulatory environment under Gov. Charlie Crist is one of the reasons Florida Power & Light Co. needs a $1.3 billion rate hike, an expert hired by the Juno Beach-based utility testified Wednesday.
Halted reservoir construction leaves South Florida taxpayers with $280 million tab
Thundering explosions that shook the earth and stopped traffic on U.S. 27 once signaled progress in South Florida’s long-stalled struggle to provide water to revive the Everglades.
Florida Senate election defies theory that ‘slinging mud’ is helpful
Things to ponder in the aftermath of the Senate District 8 special election.
SEC Votes on Measures to Further Strengthen Oversight of Credit Rating Agencies
The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted unanimously to take several rulemaking actions to bolster oversight of credit ratings agencies by enhancing disclosure and improving the quality of credit ratings.
House Subcommittee Hearing Focuses on Alleged Insurer Abuses
The chemotherapy was shrinking cancer patient Esther Dardinger’s tumors when her insurer, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, decided to stop paying for it.
Leahy Bill Repeals Antitrust Exemption for Malpractice, Health Insurance Companies
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. has introduced legislation to eliminate a federal antitrust exemption for health insurance and medical malpractice insurance companies.
Louisiana Levee Rating Drop Would Trigger Flood Insurance Requirement
Northeast Louisiana officials are worried that federal authorities may “de-certify” the Ouachita River levee system.
Homebuilders vs. firefighters over sprinkler rules
Firefighters and safety advocates say they could triumph over the ‘last bastion of America’s fire problem’ — the family home — if officials require sprinklers in every new home.
Obama Grants $25 Million to States for Medical Malpractice Pilot Projects
The White House said Thursday it had allocated $25 million in grants to states for a pilot program that would seek to ease the impact of malpractice suits on the U.S. medical system, as President Barack Obama pushes for sweeping healthcare reform.
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