Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Monday, November 10
Nov 10, 2008
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Florida leaders in denial about budget problem, Sink says
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink suggested Friday that the state’s Republican leaders are in denial about the dire economy and they should call a special legislative session now to deal with the impact on the state budget.
Gov. Charlie Crist might OK more borrowing to ease Florida’s cash crunch
Florida’s cash crunch is so severe that budget officials are asking Gov. Charlie Crist for permission to borrow up to $1.25 billion from trust funds to pay for basic services.
EDITORIAL: New life–Catastrophe fund chances improve with Obama
As a candidate for president, Sen. Barack Obama pledged his support for a national catastrophe fund that would spread among the states the pain and cost of major disasters that are beyond the financial ability of private insurers to cover.
The elections may be over, but the intrigue is just beginning over who will hold leadership positions in the state Legislature, and a few local politicians could wield significant power.
Public adjusters can give insured a 2nd opinion
When Charlie Kennedy discovered a crack some years ago in his Mount Dora home, he was sure his insurance company would cover the repairs.
South Florida officials say domestic partner benefits won’t change
Local government leaders don’t plan to retreat from offering domestic partnership benefits in the wake of voters’ decision last week to rewrite the Florida Constitution to outlaw gay marriage and anything similar to it.
Medical malpractice insurance costs drop along with claims
Frequency of claims hits historic low
Medical malpractice insurance has become a soft market that benefits Florida doctors seeking lower rates.
EDITORIAL: Getting workers’ comp right
When the state workers’ compensation system works, it is the best of all worlds. The injured employee receives compensation and medical care without having to endure protracted litigation, and the employer doesn’t have to worry about open-ended liability for workplace injuries.
Monday is final day for Fay aid
Victims must apply by 6 p.m.
Lamplighter Village resident Richard Thomann applied for FEMA help, and two weeks later, he had a check in his hand.
Diabetes test may lose coverage
U.S. District Judge Alan Gold has temporarily stopped a Jacksonville health insurance company from denying coverage for more than 250 diabetes patients involved in a clinical trial for a South Florida research center.
Gov. Crist calls for business tax cuts
Gov. Charlie Crist toured City Furniture’s headquarters and cited the company as an example of business success.
In an effort to express his support for struggling business owners, Gov. Charlie Crist visited the headquarters of City Furniture in Tamarac on Friday.
Obama’s effect on Florida’s economy
Tearing down free-trade agreements? Hiking taxes for small businesses? Imposing new federal oversight of banks and insurance companies? Charging more for hotel rooms because of higher unskilled labor costs?
Nation’s financial crisis zaps funds for Florida startup companies
The crisis that has engulfed the U.S. financial sector is now beginning to infect the world of venture-capital investors, who pour billions of dollars a year into cutting-edge companies.
Atwater’s war chest helped him keep Senate seat
How many votes can a candidate get for $2.8 million?
In state Sen. Jeff Atwater’s legislative district, where the North Palm Beach Republican soundly defeated Democratic challenger Linda Bird on Tuesday, the answer is about 127,500.
Rehwinkel Vasilinda wins House District 9 contest
Democrat Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda is the new state representative for House District 9 in results certified Friday.
Democrats regret where they spent money in Florida legislative races
Money was spent on the wrong races, which may have cost the Democratic Party a chance to loosen the Republican grip on the Legislature in a year voters clamored for change, key lawmakers said.
Seminoles might call the state’s hand
What’s the deal with blackjack at Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Casino? Or maybe the better question is: When does the dealing begin?
Climate change threatens Florida’s drinking water supply
If climatologists are right, Florida’s future could be a thirsty one: Climate change, blamed for eating away at Florida’s coastline, is also quietly encroaching on the state’s drinking water.
Alley lease opponents to rally Wednesday before public meeting; 2nd meeting Thursday on east coast
A group that opposes the lease of Alligator Alley will hold a rally from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Sunshine Boulevard in front of the community center.
OP-ED: GOP governors regroup in Miami
After the celebrations of the success of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and the congressional Democrats, it is time to tip the hat to some other people — with names such as John Hoeven, Jon Huntsman, Jim Douglas and Mitch Daniels. They are Republicans reelected Tuesday as governors of North Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Indiana.
Low benefits, tough rules hard on state’s jobless
Karen Gray was just trying to get ahead in her career.
She quit one insurance agency that wouldn’t give her a raise for another one with better pay. But Gray’s enterprising effort backfired when she was laid off from the second job in June.
Obama Win, Gains In Congress, Lets Democrats Set 2009 Insurance Agenda
Democrats emerged from last week’s historic election not only with control of the White House, but with a big enough majority in Congress to set the legislative agenda, with several critical insurance issues on the front burner-not the least of which is health care reform.
Insurers Advised to Get Federal Funds By Applying for Bank Charter
U.S. insurance companies trying to get access to government funding can apply for a bank or thrift charter at the same time as they apply for a cash infusion under the U.S. government’s $700 billion financial services rescue package, two sources briefed on the matter said Friday.
New U.S. Rule Pares Outpatient Medicaid Services
In the first of an expected avalanche of post-election regulations, the Bush administration on Friday narrowed the scope of services that can be provided to poor people under Medicaid’s outpatient hospital benefit.
Two Insurers Reject Government Aid
Two insurance companies have said they will not participate in the government’s rescue program to directly invest billions in financial companies.
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