Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, March 25
Mar 25, 2009
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Sen. Nelson Seeks U.S. Help on Florida Hurricane Losses
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has asked the U.S. Treasury to provide assurances to private market lenders that any loans they make in Florida would be repaid at fair market interest in the event of a catastrophe.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Workers’ Comp bill in Senate Banking and Insurance
The business-pushed measure that seeks to reinstate the cap on workers’ comp lawyers fees was in Senate Banking and Insurance Wednesday.
Sink rips DeLand legislator for stalling on seniors bill
CFO Alex Sink has angrily accused DeLand Rep. Pat Patterson of bottling up a bill meant to increase the penalties for unscrupulous insurance agents who bilk seniors out of their life savings.
Is the problem over insurance or hurricanes?
The state would take on storm risks under a new plan.
The state would take over all hurricane insurance in Florida while at the same time dismantling its property insurance and reinsurance funds under a sweeping plan that received a lukewarm reception Tuesday.
North Florida’s VanDyke Norman Among New Insurance Agencies Defying Hard Economy, Soft Market
Against economic and soft markets odds, independent insurance agents have been starting up new property/casualty agencies from Florida to California and states in-between since 2007.
Panel approves Florida child liability bill
Liability waivers that businesses had required parents to sign before their children could participate in risky activities such as motor sports, bungee jumping and horseback riding would be restored by a bill that cleared a House committee Tuesday.
Fla. Insurance Market Fix Outlined In Paper
Florida’s government-dominated insurance system needs reform because its current system makes the state less safe and increases the log-term costs to taxpayers, a study by a free market think tank has concluded.
Seminole County schools to dump United Healthcare
With its current carrier demanding an 18 percent increase in premiums, the Seminole County School Board agreed Tuesday to find another company to provide coverage.
Florida higher education officials may require health insurance for all students
Florida’s Board of Governors will discuss Thursday the possibility of requiring students to have health insurance before enrolling in a Florida university.
Florida May Forfeit More Than $1 Billion In Federal Stimulus Funds
Florida may forfeit more than $1.1 billion in federal stimulus aid unless the GOP-controlled Legislature agrees to increase the number of out-of-work people eligible for help.
House starts pushing bills through to meet Friday deadline
Senators will hear the first round of budget numbers needed for their spending calculations Wednesday while the House has packed several committee meetings with dozens of bills designed to get them heard before a Friday deadline.
Director: Florida pension fund is sound
Florida’s state pension fund is sound and able to pay its current and future obligations even though its assets have dropped below 100 percent projections of future payments.
State readies to spend Chiles’ trust dollars
A $700 million loan from a trust that invests tobacco settlement money for health care programs to benefit children and the elderly is going into Florida’s treasury June 1 to shore up the state’s bank account.
Lawmakers power down Crist’s climate proposals
Gov. Charlie Crist’s proposals to fight global warming are gasping for air.
Florida Senate panel approves more gambling for Seminoles, tracks
In less than an hour, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee Wednesday authorized $1 billion in expanded gambling in Florida, allowing the governor to negotiate a compact with the Seminoles that gives them roulette wheels and craps tables and gives lighter-fare games to horse and dog tracks around the state.
CFO Alex Sink’s recent moves make gubernatorial run look likely
Most of the political world in Tallahassee is convinced Charlie Crist will give up his governor’s seat to run for the U.S. Senate, so what about Alex Sink?
State Sen. J.D. Alexander warns Florida governor all’s not rosy in Florida
Warning, Charlie Crist. Your rose-colored view of the world is now a punch line among fellow Republicans.
Term limits attached to state veterans bill
Florida lawmakers could remain in office for 12 consecutive years instead of eight under a proposal approved Tuesday by a state Senate committee.
House panel approves measure to put lobbyists under oath before testifying to legislative committees
The Florida Legislature is a step closer to truth in advertising.
Governor Crist Endorses Grassroots Movement to Boost Florida’s Economy
Surrounded by a coalition representing Florida businesses, media and city leaders, Governor Charlie Crist announced a new incentive for Floridians to spend their money locally.
Petitions in Florida may be harder to fill
Paid petition gatherers would have to undergo training and background checks, carry ID cards and pay state registration fees under a business-backed bill that would make passing citizen initiatives harder in Florida.
Charlotte County to use federal money to buy blighted homes
In a boost to builders and a blow against blight, Charlotte County expects to receive nearly $6.8 million in neighborhood stabilization funds to purchase and redevelop foreclosed properties.
Insurers Ease Stance on Pre-Existing Conditions
The health insurance industry said Tuesday that it was willing to end the practice of charging higher premiums to sick people if Congress adopted a comprehensive plan that provided coverage to all Americans.
Allstate Agents Back in Court over Claims of Age Bias by Insurer
A group of insurance agents asked a federal appeals court on Monday to revive an age discrimination lawsuit over the Allstate Insurance Co.’s decision to switch thousands of them from employees to independent contractors.
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