Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, December 21
Dec 21, 2010
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Federal disaster declaration possible after Florida growers suffer losses from cold spell
It appears likely the state agriculture commissioner will ask Gov. Charlie Crist to seek a federal disaster declaration before year-end, to help growers recover following last week’s cold snap.
Miami, Tallahassee Among Cities Found With Probable Carcinogen Water Supply Contamination
Major cities include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Pittsburgh
A recent study of the drinking water in 35 US cities found alarming levels of hexavalent chromium, a probable cancer-causing carcinogen.
Worsening drought feared as South Florida water levels drop
Good thing those cold spells are over. Now all South Florida has to worry about is a drought.
Sunrise townhouses remain unsafe four days after yards fell into canal
At Angela Boisvert’s townhouse complex, the Christmas decorations are fenced in by yellow police tape and doors are dotted with orange warning signs.
More than 20 years ago, when officials planned to locate a landfill in south Hillsborough County, neighbors warned that sinkholes were a danger and the landfill would threaten the aquifer and their private wells.
Miami-Dade Risk Officer Named as 2011 National RIMS President
Scott B. Clark, risk and benefits officer for the Miami-Dade Public Schools in Miami, will begin his term as president of the Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc., Jan. 1, New York-based RIMS announced Tuesday.
Medicaid battle begins: Sink report puts $69 million pricetag on giving docs immunity
As the Legislature and now Gov.-elect Rick Scott contemplate giving doctors immunity from lawsuits in return for treating Medicaid patients, a new report from the state CFO warns that there would be at $69 million annual cost to taxpayers for such a deal.
- CFO Sink: State Could Pay $69 Million A Year If Sovereign Immunity Extended to Medicaid Providers
- Scott’s advisors want mega focus on Medicaid reform
Florida picks up 2 House seats in new Census
Florida has gained two congressional seats, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday, giving the Sunshine State even more influence in presidential elections and in Congress.
Gov.-elect Rick Scott has hired a military lifer, a Jeb Bush ally, and his long-time policy adviser to serve as his chief lieutenants when he takes over on Jan. 4.
Committee appointments named for 2011, 2012 legislative sessions
House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, has released the committee appointments for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
Governor-elect urged to merge 3 agencies into one that deals with growth
Governor-elect Rick Scott was urged on Monday to make a startling overhaul of state government, as he was called on to merge state agencies, change the type of health care services the poor receive, and revamp the way the state keeps tab on its growth.
Governor-elect Rick Scott’s advisers suggest cutbacks
Shut down A.G. Holley Hospital in Lantana. Privatize Florida’s three state mental health hospitals. Combine the departments of transportation, community affairs and environmental protection.
Roadmap Emerging for Rick Scott’s $1 Billion Prisons Cut
One of Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s most high-profile campaign promises – to slash $1 billion from the state’s prison system – drew a powerful pushback when the union representing correctional officers aired television spots warning he would start releasing inmates to reduce spending.
Scott’s inaugural parade-participant list announced
Marching bands from both universities and Springtime Tallahassee’s Andrew Jackson float will take part in Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s inaugural parade next month.
Florida leads 2010 bank failures
Florida use to proclaim being No. 1 in great categories like job growth, but a report from Condo Vultures gives us claim to a less dubious distinction.
Blog: FPL could be a big winner in tax-cut law
NextEra Energy, FPL’s parent company, stands to benefit significantly from the federal tax cut package passed last week.
Fitch Publishes Report on 2010 U.S. Property/Casualty Mergers and Acquisitions
Fitch Ratings today has released a special report entitled ‘U.S. Property/Casualty Insurers’ Mergers and Acquisitions – 2010.’
Health insurer rate hikes to face fresh federal scrutiny
Health insurers will have to justify rate increases at or above 10 percent starting next year under a new proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services.
High-risk flood areas have more options
FEMA could offer homeowners lower-cost insurance for a time
Homeowners in recently designated high-risk flood areas might get a reprieve on their flood insurance bills in the new year.
Legislation In House Would Create Federal License For Reinsurers
Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kansas, has introduced legislation in Congress with strong support from the reinsurance industry that would create a federal license for reinsurers.
New Brazilian Regulations Favor Local Reinsurers, Says Moody’s
Local reinsurers are expected to benefit from new regulations in Brazil that require local insurance companies to cede 40 percent of reinsured risk to local reinsurers, according to Moody’s Credit Outlook.
Workers’ Comp Conditions Risky For Reinsurers, Moody’s Says
Workers’ compensation insurers and reinsurers are operating in a risky environment similar to the one in the late 1990s that “put a number of workers’ comp [insurers and reinsurers] into the grave,” according to a Moody’s Investors Service report.
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