Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Monday, January 26
Jan 26, 2009
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Florida Signals 6.4% Workers’ Comp Rate Hike to Pay For Court Ruling
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty he has that he would approve a rate filing to increase Florida’s workers’ compensation insurance rates by 6.4 percent to be effective April 1 for new and renewal business.
Citizens insurance requirement drives storm business
Hurricane protection for high-end homes mandated
Demand for hurricane protection shutters, windows and doors is spiking in Southwest Florida as some Citizens Property Insurance customers scramble to keep their coverage.
Former Miami-Dade fire chief put FEMA back on track
David Paulison, the former Miami-Dade fire chief picked by President Bush to rehabilitate the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the drubbing it took for its anemic response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, gets good marks from fellow emergency managers for helping to get the agency back on track.
Lt. Governor Kottkamp Delivers $350,000 in Grants to Survivors of Tropical Storm Fay
Florida Disaster Recover Fund Grants to be used for long-term recovery efforts
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp today, while visiting Brevard County survivors of Tropical Storm Fay, announced that the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund will provide a total of $350,000 in grants to long-term recovery organizations in Brevard, St. Lucie, Duval, Seminole and Volusia counties to help storm survivors rebuild from the devastation of Fay.
COLUMN: Economic reality catching up with Crist’s insurance pipe dream
If Barack Obama nationalizes the banks, I hope it goes better than Charlie Crist’s version of nationalizing the Florida insurance market.
Crist counts on federal relief to rescue Florida
If Gov. Charlie Crist’s wish comes true, Florida will enjoy a multibillion-dollar rush of federal dollars in the coming year — staving off slash-and-burn budget cuts that could decimate schools, social services and other programs.
South Florida cities list projects for President Obama stimulus plan money
15 mayors in South Florida draw up wish lists that add up to $2.5 billion
When it comes to asking for free money, South Florida officials are not bashful.
Fla. Cuts, Fed Plan Not in Sync, Critics Say
Backers contend U.S. help is needed to ease unemployment, other state woes.
The federal government is preparing a historic economic recovery program that will pour billions of dollars into Florida to help revive the economy.
COLUMN: “Crisis” calls for coactions; What to Expect During the 2009 Session
Republicans and Democrats in the capital agree on little, and the old rules of exclusionary power politics still seem to apply.
Gain from Chiles’ fund could end in state loss
Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican legislative leaders are back at the well, planning to draw $700 million from the Lawton Chiles Endowment over the heated objections of the late governor’s heirs.
Economic gardening aims to bring in the green for local companies
There’s a new term out there you should know about: economic gardening.
It refers to the idea that cities and states can improve their economies — and create jobs for their residents — by helping local companies grow.
Florida Legislature fight looms over Seminole gambling deal
Governor’s Seminole pact under attack by unusual alliance
Advocates of a blackjack deal with the Seminole Tribe are running into an old adversary of gambling interests: the Florida House.
Florida’s tourism industry ready to protect its share of tourism tax
Florida’s tourism operators are bracing to do battle over government cash.
Although the start of the state Legislature’s annual 60-day session is a little more than a month away, it’s already clear the tourism industry’s agenda will be dominated by issues of money — both preserving what it already has and fighting for more.
Grand jury to investigate Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom
A grand jury decided Monday to look into allegations that House Speaker Ray Sansom abused his position by taking a six-figure job at his hometown college.
- To view State House Speaker Ray Sansom’s interview with the Northwest Florida Daily News’ editorial board regarding controversy that has surrounded his jobs, click here.
Klein explores Senate bid with due diligence
He hasn’t made as much noise as some of the other potential candidates considering a U.S. Senate bid, but U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, is continuing to coolly and methodically size up the race.
COLUMN: Buchanan can afford to delay decision
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan is “seriously” interested in running for the U.S. Senate, but is unlikely to make an announcement soon.
Sunshine Law for the electronic era
For the first time in 14 years, Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law is being revamped to keep pace with technology.
Commission to discuss carbon cap-and-trade system for Florida
The Florida Energy and Climate Commission holds its second meeting this morning to discuss, among other things, a carbon cap-and-trade system for Florida.
U.S. Insurance Info Office Notion Hit By 3 Insurance Groups
Two insurance groups lobbying against federal regulation of insurance said they have e-mailed members of Congress, and a third group said it has written President Obama opposing the creation of an Office of Insurance Information within the Treasury.
Insurers: Car Makers’ Monopoly Over Car Parts Could Cost $3 Billion
Consumers and insurers would face staggering costs if car companies gain a monopoly on the market for parts needed to repair vehicles after a collision, according to insurance companies.
Ike flood damage could qualify property owners for $30,000 in extra coverage
Flood insurance policyholders whose structures were damaged by flooding from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for up to $30,000 in coverage in addition to their claims for damages.
Georgia Collected $22 Million in Claims Disputes in 2008
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine said his office helped thousands of Georgia consumers settle disputes with their insurance companies in 2008, returning $22 million in insurance claims to policyholders
Kansas Insurance Department Recovered $13.8 Million in 2008
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger’s office said it helped thousands of Kansas consumers settle disputes with their insurance companies in 2008, recovering more than $13.6 million in insurance claims for policyholders.
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