Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, March 11
Mar 11, 2010
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Florida Insurers Pin Hopes on Broad Bill Passed by Senate Panel
With the prospects for a controversial rate deregulation bill dimmed by Gov. Charlie Crist’s threat of a veto, the insurance industry is betting on a new wide-ranging insurance proposal to bring some reform to Florida’s property insurance market.
Election-year politics and veto threat appear to doom Florida deregulation effort
The effort by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, to allow insurance companies in Florida to set their own rates appears doomed just two weeks into the legislative session, done in by election-year politics and the threat of a veto by Gov. Charlie Crist.
Florida lawmakers signal an easing of insurance controls
Compromise would let insurers raise rates by up to 10% a year
The effort by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, to allow insurance companies in Florida to set their own rates appears doomed just two weeks into the legislative session, done in by election-year politics and the threat of a veto by Gov. Charlie Crist.
Governor should drop veto threat
Charlie Crist, the “People’s Governor,” might also like to be remembered as the “Insurance Governor.” He proudly proclaims that the average bill for property insurance statewide has dropped 16 percent since he took office three-and-a-half years ago, and no doubt many homeowners are grateful for that.
Associated Industries of Florida: Strengthen Citizens insurance, hurricane CAT fund
I wonder if I am experiencing déjà vu? How many years will it take for the state Legislature to return the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to its original mission of providing stability for huge hurricane events, such as Hurricane Andrew, and Citizens Property Insurance to its original role as the state insurer of last resort?
Florida insurers may get break in payouts
After years of fighting insurance companies, Florida lawmakers are now leaning toward helping some out.
Blog: Federal legislation to lower property insurance costs debated
Legislation that could give South Florida homeowners a break from soaring property insurance premiums received a mixed reception by federal lawmakers Wednesday.
Florida asks FEMA to give aid to drywall victims
The Federal Emergency Management Agency should provide financial assistance to Floridians affected by defective drywall.
Crist’s appeal to FEMA for Chinese drywall aid not enough, victims say
Gov. Charlie Crist responded today to Florida homeowners with defective drywall who seek his help, but not in a way they believe will provide the financial and emotional relief they are seeking.
Florida Ban on Texting and Driving Gets Going
A House committee unanimously approved a proposed bill Wednesday that would ban sending or reading text messages while operating a car or truck – and, presumably, would cut down on lane-weaving inattention, a leading indicator of a distracted texter at the wheel.
Insurance execs address Florida Senate budget planners
Two insurance executives told Senate budget planners Wednesday the state could save millions and have a healthier workforce if state employees are moved into high-deductible “health savings accounts” that give workers a financial stake in their health care.
In Tallahassee today, gaming, gaming, gaming
Gambling talks continue in the Legislature on Thursday, as the House committee charged with drafting a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida considers the impact of Vegas-style casinos on the Sunshine State’s tourism industry and economy.
Florida House, Senate differ on budget plans
Senate President Jeff Atwater has proposed spending a bit less for public schools, health care and criminal and civil justice than House Speaker Larry Cretul.
Editorial: Caution on traffic cameras-Florida legislature ignoring law in mad race for money
As the Legislature debates bills that would deal the state in for a piece of the red-light camera action, legislative leaders at least could be honest about their motives.
Editorial: A right to know content of 911 calls
Proposed legislation that would stop the public release of 911 emergency recordings is seriously flawed.
National Nurses Organizing Committee-Florida and National Nurses United today announce that the Florida Hospital Patient Protection Act of 2010 has been filed in the state legislature by authors Representative Oscar Braynon and Senator Tony Hill and will be known as HB 1283 and S 2316.
Associated Industries of Florida Endorses Republican Dennis Ross For Congress
Associated Industries of Florida, a statewide organization of business leaders, endorsed Republican Dennis Ross in the race for the congressional seat now held by Adam Putnam.
Florida State Senator Mike Fasano seeks $750,000 for indigent health care clinic
The Legislature is staring at a $3.2 billion deficit, but state Sen. Mike Fasano has tentatively lined up $750,000 for a health care clinic in the regional hurricane shelter that bears his name.
Flloida revenue projections mostly on target
Cash-strapped Florida lawmakers aren’t getting any help from a new general revenue estimate issued Tuesday, but the figures aren’t causing them any grief, either.
Florida water managers extend U.S. Sugar deal
A South Florida board that oversees Everglades restoration has voted to keep alive Gov. Charlie Crist’s plan to buy out U.S. Sugar in the name of Everglades restoration.
Florida receiving $61 million for jobs stimulus program
Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday that the state is receiving its first installment of $61.2 million for the jobs stimulus program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Fund to invest $450 Million in Florida firms
A new investment fund – created by a joint venture with the Florida Mezzanine Fund, a group of 50 Florida-based investors, and CapitalSouth Partners, a Charlotte, N.C.-based private investment firm – is looking to invest up to $450 million in Florida-based companies.
Florida court: Public has no right to be heard at government panels
An appeal court says Florida’s Sunshine Law gives citizens a right to be present but not heard at meetings of government panels.
Open-Records Bill Pushed by Florida State Senator Paula Dockery Passes First Test
Measure pushed by Paula Dockery requires officials to get training.
A Senate committee this week approved legislation to require government officials to undergo training on the state’s Sunshine Law and to lower costs associated with public-records requests.
Florida Attorney General cracks down on timeshare resale companies
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said on Thursday his office has filed a lawsuit against Daytona Beach-based Resales Buy Owner.com.
Two plead guilty in $10.6 million Florida land sale scheme
Daniel Stephen and Patricia De Pons pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges associated with a vacant land scheme that bilked more than 1,000 victims out of $10.6 million, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida
Mayport will be home for new Navy LCS ships
Jacksonville base could have 17 combat ships by 2020.
Mayport Naval Station will be the primary homeport on the East Coast for the Navy’s newest class of ships, the service’s highest ranking officer said Wednesday, meaning the base would not suffer the personnel losses expected as its older ships are retired.
Florida lawmakers make push to extend shuttle life, build rocket
Florida lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation to extend the shuttle beyond its scheduled retirement this year and speed government development of a heavy-lift rocket.
Lawmakers look for a quick buck with sponsored license plates
Gambling deals with an Indian tribe. Oil drilling rights for mysterious investors. Leasing highways to foreign corporations. Florida legislators will consider selling just about anything to raise money and avoid tax increases.
Texas State Farm hikes homeowner rates 4.5 percent
The state’s largest home insurer plans to raise rates 4.5 percent statewide.
California earthquake authority chief testifies to Congress
California Earthquake Authority chief executive Glenn Pomeroy on Wednesday testified to two congressional subcommittees in support of a bill to reduce the cost of earthquake insurance.
CatCoverage.com Offers Alternative to Federal Flood Insurance
The Natural Catastrophe Insurance Program, available at www.CatCoverage.com, says it is providing an online alternative to the National Flood Insurance Program for agents, brokers and property owners.
Opinion: Time to Ask Tough Questions about Louisiana Insurance
A number of Louisiana legislators are feeling increasing heat back in their districts about why Louisiana continues, year after year, to have the highest insurance rates in the nation. A small deep southern state should be way down the list of most expensive states.
State lawmakers at the National Conference of Insurance Legislators South Carolina Spring Meeting moved closer to a final vote on a controversial model law that would bring transparency and accountability to use of auto crash parts.
PCI Testimony Offers Natural Catastrophe Solutions
The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America today submitted testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives voicing concerns over a bill that could displace the private market for natural catastrophe insurance and create added costs for taxpayers across America.
Proposed Systemic Risk Fund Draws Fire From Insurers, National Council of Insurance Legislators
A provision in upcoming financial services reform legislation that will subject large insurers to federal oversight is running into heavy opposition from various industry groups, including state insurance legislators.
Property insurance typically covers damage, not landscaping troubles
So you wake up one morning to find that your favorite oak tree is leaning over the fence and staring at your neighbor.
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