Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, May 21
May 21, 2008
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Crist to sign health insurance bill
Gov. Charlie Crist is set to sign legislation that would allow for scaled-down health insurance plans.
For the first time, large insurance plans in Florida must offer up to $200,000 to diagnose and treat autistic children, under a law Gov. Charlie Crist signed Tuesday morning.
Tampa Bay Area: FEMA changes rules on flood insurance discount
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed its rules and will no longer offer the town’s 20 percent premium discount on certain flood insurance policies.
COLUMN: Insurance does cover launch disasters
Dear Help!: My dad and I recently watched a disaster program on TV that showed a rocket blowing up moments after takeoff.
Official: We’re ready for hurricane season
Brevard is ready for the hurricane season starting June 1, Brevard County’s top emergency manager told county commissioners this morning.
Speakers Named For Hurricane Expo
Congressman Adam Putnam and Floridas Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink are the headliners scheduled to speak at this years annual Polk County Hurricane Expo.
Ex-lawmaker who investigated Supreme Court corruption dies
Former state Rep. Billy Joe Rish, who led impeachment investigations of three Florida Supreme Court justices in the 1970s, has died, his daughter Cathy Womack said. He was 75.
Judge Michael Allen to go to trial
The Supreme Court will decide Allen’s punishment, up to removal from the bench
Judge Michael Allen will go to trial next month after the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected his effort to block a disciplinary inquiry.
COMMENTARY: A lot is riding on outcome of CSX dispute
Trial lawyers, the now much-scorned foes of the state’s deal with CSX to bring commuter rail to Central Florida, are the least of the railroad giant’s worries.
EDITORIAL: The Osceola senator’s attempt to kill commuter rail hurts her constituents
When commuter rail next comes before legislators, its chief opponent ironically could end up helping engineer its passage.
Green Groups Urge Veto Of Environmental Bill
Lawmaker slips language into sea grass legislation that worries environmentalists.
After more than 20 years, environmental groups recently convinced lawmakers to make tearing up sea grass in state aquatic preserves a crime.
Shoreline Restoration Project Marks End Of Power Struggle
It could have been a powerhouse, a labyrinth of ducts and pipes crowned by towering exhaust stacks, with coal-fired generators humming day and night.
FPL power plant to use treated wastewater for cooling
Treated wastewater will be used to cool generators at Florida Power & Light’s new power plant under construction near 20-Mile Bend.
Expect More Fed Pressure If Dems Control Washington, Says PCI Head
The chief executive of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) said he believes if the Democrats expand their majorities in Congress next year and perhaps even win the White House, the insurance business will face the threat of an expanded federal presence that will unite the industry.
Central Pacific Hurricane Center Predicts 3-4 Cyclones
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting slightly fewer than normal tropical cyclones to develop in the Central Pacific basin during the upcoming season.
Insurance Industry Celebrates Women’s Achievements
May 18-24, 2008, marks National Insurance Women’s Week, a celebration recognizing the contributions women are making in all areas of the insurance industry.
Judge: Evidence Showed Greenberg Phone Call in AIG/General Re Case
A U.S. judge who oversaw the trial of executives accused of helping American International Group Inc. inflate reserves said there was sufficient evidence to show the conspiracy started with a phone call from the insurer’s former chief executive, Maurice “Hank” Greenberg.
Judge Rejects New Trial for Convicted Gen Re, AIG Executives
A federal judge has rejected requests to overturn the convictions of five former insurance company executives in a scheme to manipulate the financial statements of the world’s largest insurance company.
Since winning a special election to the US Senate in 1962, Edward M. Kennedy has shepherded hundreds of bills through Congress, building a legislative legacy in areas from immmigration reform to foreign policy.
Katrina Wind Vs. Water Case Will Go to Miss. Supreme Court
The American Insurance Association (AIA) said it has received approval to file a brief with Mississippi Supreme Court in support of an insurer’s interpretation of excludable flood damage stemming from Hurricane Katrina.
Austin Faces $50 Million in Wind and Hail Damage
Insured losses from the strong winds and large hail that pummeled Austin, Texas, on the night of May 14 may rise to $50 million, the Insurance Council of Texas reported.
China Quake Takes Toll On Local Insurers
Insurance companies with physical plants in China’s earthquake area suffered a huge loss in personnel and property, according to Risk Management Solutions, citing a China Insurance Regulatory Commission announcement.