Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, July 9

 

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State storm protection program still open

It’s not too late to apply for a free hurricane home-hardening inspection after all.

Big Bertha a reminder to prepare for storms

Hurricane Bertha on Monday was little more than a reminder to Floridians that it’s storm season.

Remodeling codes get makeover of their own

It is a common sight: A historic home near the water is deemed too expensive to renovate and down it comes, to be replaced by a mansion.

State Farm joins in Latino voter drive

State Farm Insurance has joined a national coalition encouraging one of the fastest growing minority populations to become citizens and register so their voices are heard.

Florida Property Insurer Offers Boat Insurance to Members

Florida-based PURE Risk Management recently launched an insurance program for personal boaters called PURE Watercraft Insurance.

AAJ: Allstate Ranks as Worst Insurer for Consumers

Allstate ranks as the worst insurer for consumers, according to a comprehensive investigation of thousands of legal documents and financial filings.

Martinez’s Vote Hurts Disabled

During an election year when access to health care is the second most important domestic issue cited by Americans, Sen. Mel Martinez, incredibly, voted against legislation that would ensure stability in the Medicare program for Florida’s elderly and disabled patients.

Local Groups Join Nationwide Push For Affordable Health Care

It pains 13-year nursing veteran Roselily Story to tell patients she’s doing everything she can when she knows their health insurance won’t let her. ‘These people are hardworking people who deserve the care,’ says Story, who works at St. Petersburg General Hospital and spoke today in downtown Tampa at a news conference, calling for affordable health care for everyone.

Rooney gets endorsement from Builders and Contractors

Congressional candidate Tom Rooney has picked up the endorsement of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Democrats stumped for Atwater opponent

Florida Democrats are stymied in trying to find a replacement for Skip Campbell to run against Senate president-designee Jeff Atwater.

District 78 Democrats debate who lives where

At least one thing was made clear when three Democrats running for the state House District 78 seat debated Tuesday morning at a West Boca Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Panel sees no ethics breach for lawmaker

An unusual panel of state lawmakers on Tuesday cleared Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, on a complaint that he improperly used his position for political purposes.

Glades deal creates a political void

The modern political history of U.S. Sugar traces back to a 1987 pizza and beer night at the company lobbyist’s townhouse near the state Capitol.

Water near plant is okay, but the air …

State health officials say it’s all right to sprinkle lawns or fill swimming pools with irrigation well water from the Azalea neighborhood where toxic contamination from the Raytheon factory has spread.

State rolls out program to target the rise in gangs

An initiative aimed at battling the estimated 1,500 gangs in Florida begins in September, involving seven regional task forces.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum on Tuesday touted a statewide initiative to combat gangs.

EDITORIAL: Driving while distracted

Florida legislators need to talk about whether and how to restrict the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by drivers.

Study Finds Flawed Practices at Ratings Firms

The analyst at the credit ratings agency was blunt: “Let’s hope we are all wealthy and retired by the time this house of cards falters.”

Reinsurance Group Goes Online To Fight Federal Cat Fund Idea

The Reinsurance Association of America said it has launched NatCatUS.org, a Web site to inform policymakers and the public about catastrophe fund proposals.

Property-casualty industry rallies behind measure to enforce stricter building codes

Members of an influential property-casualty association are rallying behind a federal measure that would authorize $100 million per year for five years to help state and local governments more effectively administer building codes.

GOP: Don’t blame manufacturers for toxic trailers

Companies that make recreational vehicles should not be blamed for high levels of formaldehyde in FEMA trailers, according to a report by House Republicans.

Actuaries Urged to Play Broader Role in Mergers, Acquisitions

Actuaries play a pivotal role in property/casualty insurance mergers and acquisitions, but they can make even larger contributions by taking a broader business approach, according panelists as the recent Casualty Actuarial Society Spring Meeting in Quebec City, Canada.

Sustainability Risks Create Challenges for Actuaries

Sustainability risks are one of the most critical emerging risk areas of the 21st century and actuaries will need to develop mitigation and financing strategies for handling them.

Costs, Confusion Keep Flood Insurance Numbers Low in Iowa

A combination of costs and confusion keeps many Iowans from buying federal flood insurance.

P.A.:  New Law To Lower Many Homeowners’ Insurance Premiums

Pennsylvania homeowners may be entitled to a reduction in their homeowners’ insurance premiums, thanks to The Mortgage Property Insurance Coverage Act that Gov. Rendell signed into law on July 4.

Report says some vets paying more for health care

Some military retirees disabled in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan pay more for health care than other retirees, and a new report recommends waiving their insurance premiums to correct the inequity.

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