Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, January 8
Jan 8, 2009
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State workers’ comp rates down 60 percent, report shows
Workers’ compensation rates in the state have fallen an average of more than 60 percent since a major legislative overhaul of the system in 2003, according to a state-of-the-market report released Wednesday by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty.
Florida’s FCCI Now Owns 100% of Mississippi’s Brierfield Insurance Co.
FCCI Insurance Group (FCCI), a Sarasota, Florida-based commercial property and casualty insurer writing in excess of $500 million written premium in 14 states, has purchased Mississippi Insurance Managers.
Palm Bay to vote on red-light cameras
Say cheese. The city of Palm Bay is hoping to take your picture, especially if you run a red light.
The city council tonight is set to vote on installing red-light cameras at six major intersections throughout the city in an effort to catch red-light runners and cut down on fatalities or injuries suffered in accidents.
Riviera Beach moves toward charging drivers responsible for car accidents
Drivers at fault in car wrecks will pay a $154 vehicle accident investigation fee to the Riviera Beach Police Department under an ordinance passed on first reading by a 4-1 vote of the city council tonight.
Another oops for Cover FL — United not yet approved
For weeks, Florida officials have said six companies received state authorization to sell moderately-priced, limited-benefit health plans to the uninsured as of Jan. 5. Two are listed on the state’s Cover Florida Web site as having approval for statewide sales.
Fla. House set for deficit-reduction vote
The Florida House is debating a budget-reduction package that includes nearly $1 billion in spending cuts for schools, health care and other state functions.
Lawmakers won’t consider tax proposals
Republicans have spent the past decade running Florida government and rejecting tax increases.
Other Democrats wait as CFO Sink ponders Senate bid
When it comes to Florida Democrats dreaming of a U.S. Senate seat, it’s Alex Sink’s world. Most everybody else is just waiting for her utterance.
Sheriff’s son to run for state rep
Greg Steube, U.S. Army veteran, attorney and eldest son of Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube, on Wednesday announced his candidacy for state representative.
COLUMN: No Jeb, look for GOP Senate battle royale
Now that Jeb Bush has opted out of running for the U.S. Senate in 2010, the Republican Party will forgo the normal primary process and choose its next senator with a Texas Chain Saw, Battle Royale wrestling match at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory.
Florida Senator Haridopolos files legislation to end election public financing
Saying the state can’t afford “welfare for politicians,” a powerful Senate leader has filed legislation to end public financing of statewide election campaigns.
House, Senate face budget battle over small-business aid
Florida lawmakers are poised to hand Gov. Charlie Crist a $10 million loan program to rescue struggling small businesses in the state, but another $35 million in economic stimulus could be headed for the chopping block.
Hillsborough judge is Gov. Crist’s choice for appeals court
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Marva L. Crenshaw has been appointed to the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Gov. Charlie Crist announced Wednesday.
Fla. Supreme Court to hear arguments on petitions
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments over a law that lets voters revoke their signatures on citizen initiative petitions.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner: 7 Percent Hike Appropriate for Citizens
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says plans by the state’s so-called “property insurer of last resort” to raise rates by an average of 7 percent in April are appropriate.
Court Agrees to Hear Mississippi Couple’s Appeal of Katrina Damages
A federal appeals court has scheduled arguments for Feb. 4 in a Mississippi homeowner’s appeal of a jury verdict that favored his insurance company in a Hurricane Katrina damage case.
Former Insurance Exec Named Arkansas Commissioner
Jay Bradford, a former insurance executive and state lawmaker will become Arkansas insurance commissioner next Thursday, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe has announced.
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