Crist sends long-distance criticism of State Farm
Jul 21, 2008
St. Petersburg Times--July 18, 2008
By Tom Zucco, Times Staff Writer
Gov. Charlie Crist took time out from his European trip Friday to fire off a letter to Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty voicing his concern about State Farm’s request for a statewide average 47.1 percent rate hike.
"While you have not had an opportunity to review this rate filing, I am concerned that such a significant rate increase could create a breaking point for the budgets of some of our fellow Floridians," Crist wrote. "I have every confidence that you and your staff will conduct a thorough review of the State Farm rate filing to ensure that Florida’s policyholders are protected."
A public hearing on the proposed rate increase is set for Aug. 12 in Tallahassee.