Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, April 13
Apr 13, 2010
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Florida TaxWatch: The Legislature must act on Florida’s hurricane liability
While we can repair the damage following storms that may make landfall in Florida this upcoming hurricane season, the question is will we survive the wrath of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance.
Florida 25th for car insurance rates
When it comes to the price of car insurance, Florida is on par with the national average, according to a survey by Insure.com. The survey places Florida at 25th in the nation, with the average premium at $1,453.20 just above the national average of $1,429.26.
Are Florida Rental Car Drivers Paying Double Road Tolls?
State regulators have launched an investigation into the Hertz Corp.’s use of electronic toll-paying systems after five customers told officials they were not properly notified that the vehicles they rented in Florida were registered with a company called PlatePass.
Florida Legislature to Take a Look at Red-Light Traffic Cameras
Proponents say red-light traffic cameras save lives. Opponents call the devices Orwellian threats to freedom. The Florida Legislature is trying to map a route through the controversy.
Blog: Senate rejects Charlie Crist Agency for Health Care Administration chief confirmation
Sen. Don Gaetz’ Health Regulation Committee made a surprise rejection of Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Tom Arnold. The vote: 4-3.
WellMed Medical Management acquires Tampa-based Citrus Health Care
WellMed Medical Management, the San Antonio, Tex., company that runs Physicians Health Choice, a Medicare Advantage plan in Florida, has acquired Citrus Health Care. Tampa-based Citrus serves 10,000 Medicare Advantage and 44,000 Medicaid participants in Florida.
Florida Medicaid overhaul met with little opposition
Advocates for the disabled, elderly, hospitals and other interests objected to some details and the timing of a massive Medicaid overhaul Monday, but the plan won near unanimous approval at its first – and possibly last – committee hearing in the Florida House.
Lakeland Title Company Ex-Owner Gets 5 Years in Prison for Stealing $660,000
Erica Daniels was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for stealing more than $660,000 while working as a Lakeland real estate title agent.
Anti-corruption bills win Florida Senate committee approval
Two anti-corruption bills won unanimous approval in a Senate committee Monday, with their sponsor saying Florida legislators are feeling heat from scandals simmering around the state.
Battle over bail bonds in Florida House
A measure to limit pretrial release programs has turned into political gamesmanship.
A so-called ”bailout” for the bail bond industry is dissolving into political gamesmanship as the legislation advances to the House floor.
Senate Reapportionment Chairman Mike Haridopolos directed staff to begin drafting yet another proposed amendment for the ballot that would change the way Florida handles its once-a-decade redistricting process.
Voters head to polls in race for Wexler’s U.S House seat
Voters are set to decide who will replace former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, who resigned in January to lead a Middle East think tank.
Voting time: Former House Speaker’s replacement to be decided today
Either Republican Matt Gaetz or Democrat Jan Fernald will be selected to replace Ray Sansom, who resigned amid scandal and controversy Feb. 21.
Vetoing teacher bill might aid Charlie Crist’s Senate bid
Tea Party opposition to a Republican-backed teacher-pay bill is registering with Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running for U.S. Senate.
School voucher plan revived by Florida lawmakers
A school voucher proposal the Florida Supreme Court took off the 2008 ballot has been revived in the Legislature.
In Tallahassee today, separation of church and state
A highly emotional battle over the separation of church and state will erupt in the Capitol Tuesday over a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with spending tax dollars for religious purposes.
Florida blood banks fight to keep financial records private
The move by a state senator to force Florida’s blood banks to open their financial books to the public is running into opposition from the institutions he seeks to regulate.
Florida Gambling: History and Future
Some suggest Florida’s approval of a gambling pact with the Seminole Tribe now sets the nation’s fourth-largest state on an inevitable course to become a major gaming destination like Nevada or New Jersey.
Former Florida legislator Tobiassen dies at age 78
A former Florida lawmaker with 24 years of experience in the halls of power in Tallahassee has died, a few weeks after a family tragedy put his name back into the public eye.
Jeb Bush’s Ideas Are Flourishing In Legislature
The Senate is more conservative than it was during Bush’s tenure as governor.
Almost four years after he left the state Capitol, former Gov. Jeb Bush is hovering over this spring’s legislative session, with measures sweeping through the Republican-ruled Legislature that appear ripped straight from his political playbook.
U.S. Senate Ends Fillibuster on Jobless Benefits, Flood Insurance Program
The U.S. Senate voted Monday to end debate on a bill to extend unemployment benefits and COBRA health insurance subsidies that also includes a reauthorization of the national flood insurance program.
Blog: Census finds hurricane coast population up 158 percent in 50 years
Some 36.2 million people, about 12 percent of the nation’s total population, live along the hurricane-prone stretch of coast, from North Carolina to Texas.
40% of Agents in South Carolina Could Lose Licenses May 1
May 1, 2010 is the deadline for agents licensed in South Carolina to complete their first-ever producer license renewal process and become compliant with their ongoing continuing education requirements.
Most Texas home insurers profitable again
Texas home insurers returned to profitability in 2009, as property claims were nearly half of those lodged as a result of Hurricane Ike the previous year.
Life, Death and Insurance: Indiana’s $15 Million Mystery
It is a tale worthy of an airport-kiosk thriller.
The Pros and Cons of Betting on Death
What you need to know before you buy someone else’s life-insurance policy
Life settlements may sound simple and potentially lucrative for investors.
Global Reinsurers Enjoyed Solid Year in 2009, A.M. Best Reports
Capacity returned in force to the global reinsurance market in 2009, as solid earnings helped to propel capital upward by 24 percent from the previous year, despite a softening market.
Guy Carpenter: Positive Conditions Persist in Catastrophe Bond Market
During First Quarter of 2010, According to Guy Carpenter
Strong Demand Results in Two Upsized Transactions; Issuance Activity Lighter Than Expected, But Outlook Remains Bullish.
Louisiana Workers’ Comp Corp.’s ‘A’ Rating Reaffirmed
A.M. Best Company has reaffirmed for 2010 the financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corp.
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