Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, June 21

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Crist signs phase one of tax cut bills

Gov. Charlie Crist planned to drop in on the Miami home of Michael Mathura and Sarojini Mohan Thursday as he signed into law the first piece of the two-part property tax cut plan that will save every property owner in the state an average of 7 percent on this fall’s tax bill.

 

State Democrats to plead for primary

They will ask Howard Dean to drop penalties for the early vote, which breaks party rules.

TALLAHASSEE — Leading Florida Democrats will appeal to national party chairman Howard Dean today to respect the state’s new January primary date and drop threats of sanctions because it skirts party rules.

 

Crist may veto bill making amendments more difficult

TALLAHASSEE — Amid heavy lobbying on both sides, Gov. Charlie Crist now says he has concerns about a business-backed bill that would impose new limits on people who solicit voter signatures for ballot initiatives.

 

Crist: Raise the political blinds

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Charlie Crist called Tuesday for more sunlight on Florida’s governing process, launching an 18-month study of changes and possible expansions to the laws that guarantee openness in the machinery of government.

 

BIG “I” Supports Long-Term Terrorism Insurance Program

New York agent testifies on need for federal action 

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 21, 2007— The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), the nation’s largest insurance association, testified today before the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises in support of H.R. 2761, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007 (TRIREA).

 

Alexander won’t run for Senate president

LAKE WALES – Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, has decided not to run for state Senate president and instead has thrown his support to another senator.

 

Crist vetoes $62 million energy bill

Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday vetoed a massive energy bill that lawmakers passed with great fanfare in the final hours of the legislative session.

 

Crist blocks Miami commissioner’s return

Accusing suspended Miami City Commissioner Johnny Winton of ”behavior unbecoming of an elected official,” Gov. Charlie Crist Wednesday declined Winton’s request to be returned to office.  Instead, Crist permanently removed Winton for the rest of his term, which expires in November.

 

WellCare Back To Congress

A month after a U.S. Senate committee looking at marketing abuses heard testimony from WellCare Health Plans, the Tampa company has been invited again to send an executive to Washington. This time the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s investigations subcommittee has scheduled hearings Tuesday on “Predatory Sales Practices in Medicare Advantage.”

 

Head of the National Hurricane Center in Miami-Dade County unfazed by criticism

Job secure despite letter, Proenza says
 
DEERFIELD BEACH Bill Proenza is hunting for a new home in South Broward County. That’s because he intends to remain the director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami-Dade County for at least five years, he said Wednesday.

 

Storm-proofing cut blows away residents

Doris and Robert Seckman were anxious last year to take advantage of a state program to storm-proof their home.

 

NAMIC, PCI to Congress: Adopt Long-term TRIA Program Without NBCR

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2007) — A proposal to extend the government’s involvement in terrorism insurance fits the bill – almost. That’s the message delivered to members of Congress by a representative for trade associations representing some 2,500 insurance companies.

 

Fla. Broker Details Citizens’ Costs

Legislation in Florida requiring the state’s residual market insurer to reduce prices has cut its revenues dramatically and created actuarially unsound insurance rates, according to a brokerage executive.

 

Corps Of Engineers Maps Out Flood Risks In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – In this city still half-emptied from one of the worst floods in American history, one question provokes the ever-present doubt.

 

Zurich, Law Firms Hit With $1.25M Penalty

A New York federal judge has hit Zurich American and its two law firms with a $1.25 million penalty for keeping evidence “buried in a box” for almost two years in an attempt to limit World Trade Center claims against the insurer.

 

Crist signs toll bill

The governor says the law can raise cash to fix state roads.

Citing the Suncoast Parkway as an example of a useful toll road, Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill smoothing the way for the state and private companies to build more tollways in the decades to come.

 

Lawyer: Ex – School Official Admits Bribes

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A former New Orleans school board president who ran as a corruption fighter pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking more than $100,000 in bribes to help an unidentified businessman win school contracts for his employer.

When Insurance Doesn’t Pay

Bad things happen. That’s why you bought insurance. But do you really know what your policy covers?

Too many small-business owners don’t. And when disaster strikes and it comes time to make a claim, plenty of policyholders are shocked to find that they weren’t as protected as they thought they were.

In Pictures: Seven Reasons Your Claim Will Be Denied

 

Governor Signs 5 Law Enforcement Bills

TAMPA – During Charlie Crist’s campaign for governor, he promised he would work hard to enhance law and order in Florida.

 

Crist signs measure regulating toll roads

TALLAHASSEE — Expressway tolls will increase automatically with inflation under a bill Gov. Charlie Crist has signed into law that also allows the state to permit private toll roads and lease out existing toll ways.

 

Bars Now Must OK Towing Of Cars

TAMPA – Tow truck operators will need a manager’s approval before removing cars from bar and restaurant parking lots after commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance revision Wednesday.