Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, November 11
Nov 11, 2010
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United Insurance cuts 3Q loss, mum on potential takeover
United Insurance Holdings Corp. reported a net loss of $316,000, or 3 cents a share, for the three months ended Sept. 30, compared to a net loss of $734,000, or 7 cents a share, in the same period a year earlier.
Lawmakers target Citizens Property Insurance, Medicaid within Florida to spur economic growth
Expect a few statewide programs to disappear, Citizens Property Insurance and Medicaid within Florida to be revamped, and bureaucratic regulations shed in an attempt to spur economic growth, as lawmakers face a $2.4 billion deficit in the state’s coming federal stimulus-free budget.
Jury orders USAA to pay $1.7 million to Hillsborough County firefighter
A Hillsborough County jury has ordered USAA to pay $1.7 million to Jim Favata, a 27-year veteran firefighter from Tampa.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration misses deadline for $20 million health IT contract
The state has delayed awarding a $20 million four year health information exchange contract by at least one month.
Florida GOP looks to stymie health-care overhaul
Fresh from their election victories, Florida Republicans say they plan to remake the nation’s new health-care law to reduce the role of government, limit malpractice claims and give doctors more incentive to serve Medicare patients.
Regulatory reforms could present ‘first test’ for incoming Governor Scott
Throughout his campaign, Gov.-elect Rick Scott talked about the importance of reducing the regulatory burden on Florida businesses.
500 uncounted ballots found in Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County elections office says 500 uncounted absentee ballots have been located, possibly affecting several close local races.
Florida initiative providing info to veterans
A new state initiative has connected nearly 30,000 Florida veterans to information about their benefits during its first four months.
Blog: Ethics expert says Rick Scott may have ‘violated both tax laws and labor laws’
This refers to accusations from a part-time campaign worker who found the job through an ad on Craigslist who is upset that the campaign paid him with an American Express gift card.
Blog: Allen West’s controversial new chief of staff quits amid media ‘lynching’
Joyce Kaufman, the self-styled “most heavily armed” conservative radio host in South Florida, has quit as Congressman-elect Allen West’s chief of staff, just days after taking the job.
Ex-Florida Senate leader’s appeal back in court
Appellate judges have gone back and forth about whether former Florida Senate President W.D. Childers should have been convicted of bribery, and now all 11 members of a federal appeals court will hear the case again.
Blog: Backlash against U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s pick for state party chair
As if Republicans needed something else to gloat about now they have this: a growing tussle over who will replace Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman — who hasn’t even resigned yet.
Florida Supreme Court sides with county clerks in long-running dispute
Florida’s top court ended a six-year battle today, when it let stand an appellate ruling that allowed Collier Clerk of Circuit Courts Dwight Brock to watch over public money, auditing county budgets and payouts.
Florida Farm credit merger creates $1B institution
Three of Florida’s major farm credit associations have received shareholder approval for a merger that would create a $1 billion institution.
Florida projected to have highest job growth in nation
Job growth in Florida is expected to grow more than any other state during the upcoming year, a new forecast states.
Tom Pelham, the secretary of the state’s land planning agency, lashed back at critics on Tuesday, saying that it was unfair to fault state planners when they have no role in writing laws or rules that guide Florida’s growth.
Florida Agricultural Tax Exemption: Popular, Potentially Costly
Hard-luck farmers, ranchers and citrus growers stand to benefit from the Legislature’s impending override of Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of House Bill 981.
Tax Watch Poll: Floridians Willing to Pay More for Renewable Power
Green energy ventures could generate more jobs, TaxWatch president says
Floridians are willing to pay slightly more for utilities if more of that power comes from renewable sources, a TaxWatch-sponsored poll says.
Florida schools likely to get less from Florida Lottery in coming year
A new forecast is projecting that the Florida Lottery will produce less money than anticipated for schools next year.
The Washington Post: Insurers, Clearinghouses Said to Be Considered for Basel Rules
Insurers and companies that process financial trades may be considered too big to fail under rules being prepared by global regulators amid opposition from the insurance industry, two people close to the discussions said.
New York Times: Title Insurance Concept Spreads Into Art Sales
Though standard in real estate transactions, the concept of title insurance, which guarantees that a seller is the free and clear owner, has been resisted by the art world.
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