Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, August 26
Aug 26, 2009
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Above: Sen. Edward Kennedy, who died yesterday evening, first announced his proposal for a national health care plan at the Capitol on May 15, 1979. Large charts behind him illustrate rising U.S. health costs in the U.S. that year.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty: Florida’s property insurance market making progress
I was disappointed to read the St. Petersburg Times’ editorial on Aug. 14, Florida insurance numbers deceive. The accusations made by the Times were irresponsible.
Competitive Enterprise Institute Suggests Questions for Florida Insurance Commissioner
Scholars at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free market think tank, today urged Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty to accept Rep. Scott Plakon’s invitation to appear before the House Insurance, Business, and Financial Affairs Policy Committee.
Demotech Releases August Financial Stability Ratings® for Florida Property Insurance Companies
The list below enumerates the companies that are actively participating in our review and analysis process and provides their current Financial Stability Rating® (FSR).
Mack Bernard Wins FL House Seat
Delray Beach Commissioner Mack Bernard has been elected to the Florida House.
Florida OK’s $1.5M settlement over federal penalty
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved a $1.5 million settlement with the federal government, the state’s negotiated penalty for illegally selling drivers’ personal information to companies and individuals.
Motions to dismiss filed for Odom, Sansom
Motions to dismiss were flying around Tallahassee Tuesday as attorneys for state Rep. Ray Sansom and developer Jay Odom rang up challenges to the criminal charges brought against their clients.
Florida environmental projects rescued with Cabinet approval
For the first time in 20 years, the governor and Cabinet on Tuesday approved a priority list for the nation’s largest environmental land buying program without any new money to pay for it.
Beaches Energy weighs nuclear energy option
The Beaches-area electric utility could tap into the first nuclear power plant to be built in Florida since 1976 as part of a long-term plan to diversify energy resources and limit pollution and price fluctuations.
Colonial BancGroup files for Chapter 11 protection
Colonial BancGroup Inc., the Montgomery-based real estate lender whose banking unit was shut down by the government and sold to BB&T Corp. earlier this month, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Crist comes out against FPL rate hike
Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday came out foursquare against Florida Power and Light’s proposed $1.3 billion rate hike, calling it “excessive.”
Florida’s growth management boss fends off developers’ criticism
All summer, Tom Pelham has been Public Enemy No. 1 for developers unhappy with his interpretation of a law passed this year designed to ease regulation of growth.
Seminoles, state confident on deal
With a Monday deadline looming, time is running short for state leaders and the Seminole Tribe to agree on a new gaming compact.
Fla. gay adoption ban goes to appeals court
Florida’s strict ban on adoptions by gay people is going before a state appeals court.
Kennedy’s legacy includes landmark benefits laws
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., the standard bearer for universal health coverage during his more than four decades in the U.S. Senate and whose legislative accomplishments had a huge impact on the design on employee benefit plans, died Tuesday evening.
Louisiana State Auditor: Insurance Department Owes $692K in Dispute
The Louisiana Department of Insurance owes $692,000 for legal fees and other costs in a dispute with the Office of the Legislative Auditor over access to internal documents.
South Carolina Flood Insurance Premiums, Deductibles Rising
Flood insurance premiums and deductibles are increasing by about 8 percent for thousands of homeowners across South Carolina.
Numbers Tell of Reconstruction of Mississippi Since Hurricane Katrina
August 29 will mark four years since Hurricane Katrina pummeled Mississippi. Since then, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and other state and local governments and organizations, has helped the state rebuild.
Stakem Hornig Promoted to Deputy Commissioner in Maryland
Karen Stakem Hornig has been promoted to deputy insurance commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration.
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