Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, July 15
Jul 15, 2010
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Florida Democrat Meek speaks out strongly against reinsurance bill in U.S. House
Strong Democratic opposition to the Neal bill surfaced in Washington yesterday as Bermuda’s reinsurance industry came under the scrutiny of US lawmakers.
Rain causes drastic gain in Tampa sinkhole size
The sinkhole at the Bordeaux Village Condominiums in Tampa grew considerably Wednesday, as rain eroded the sidewalls of the hole.
Florida issues electronic licenses for insurance agents, adjusters
The Florida Division of Agent and Agency Services is now making license identifications available electronically for insurance agents, adjusters and other licensees.
Lawsuit in Florida Targets Flood Insurance As Danger to Sea Turtles
The National Wildife Federation claims in a lawsuit that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood insurance program is hurting sea turtles by spurring coastal development.
Paul Davis ‘flood house’ helps train students in restoration
At the new Paul Davis Restoration National Training Center, students learn how to clean up wet disasters
Wet Carpet. Water dripping from ceilings. The smell of mildew. All are fears of every homeowner.
Tampa’s PMSI Reports Workers’ Compensation Pharmacy Spending Increased 6.5% In 2009
The workers compensation market experienced a 6.5 percent growth in total pharmacy spending per injured worker in 2009, according to a report by a pharmaceutical products provider.
Column: Red-light cameras in South Florida – the start of an expensive ride?
With cash-hungry South Florida cities and the state in full money-grab mode, will red-light cameras be just the start?
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Leaders Limit Session Agenda, But Say More Work Needed
Legislative leaders moved to end speculation Thursday about adding property-tax breaks, immigration reform or a host of other issues to the special session called next week by Gov. Charlie Crist to craft a ballot measure banning oil-drilling in Florida waters.
Florida joins states supporting Arizona immigration law with court brief
Some lawmakers want Florida to pass its own legislation
Florida is backing Arizona in its fight with the federal government over who can enforce U.S. immigration laws, Attorney General Bill McCollum said Wednesday.
Judge throws out Scott’s campaign cash suit
GOVERNOR’S RACE: Ruling backs McCollum’s access to matching public funds
Attorney General Bill McCollum’s bid for governor avoided a serious blow after a federal judge refused Wednesday to shut down Florida’s system of giving candidates taxpayer money.
Crist appoints new utility regulators: Art Graham and Ron Brisé
Gov. Charlie Crist appointed State Rep. Ronald Brisé and Jacksonville City Councilman Arthur Graham to serve on the Public Service Commission, which regulates how affordable, reliable and safe your utility service is.
Blog: State Representative Sandy Adams Wants House to Censure Crist for Calling Special Session
Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Oviedo, announced on Thursday that she will file a motion in the special session next week to censure Gov. Charlie Crist for calling the session.
Blog: Crist to BP — We ‘respectfully request’ you make good on marketing promise
Gov. Charlie Crist is not ready to take no for an answer when it comes to the latest rejection from BP for additional marketing dollars to local economies crushed by the bad PR from publicity over tarballs, oil slicks and gooey sludge rolling onto some Florida beaches.
New Poll: Crist Ahead of Rubio, Scott Ahead of Sink, Sink Ahead of McCollum
A new poll released Tuesday by Reuters and Ipsos shows Gov. Charlie Crist leading the race for the U.S. Senate seat while Rick Scott is the favorite in the gubernatorial race.
Six South Florida men arrested in alleged $2 million mortgage fraud scheme
Six South Florida men have been arrested in connection with a $2 million mortgage fraud scheme that allegedly included recruiting “straw buyers” who allowed their names to be used on loan applications for properties that would be bought by others, state insurance fraud investigators said.
Florida’s business climate gets mixed reviews from CNBC
Ranks first and 48th in same survey
Florida is simultaneously one of the best and one of the worst states for doing business based on an annual analysis by CNBC.
Longtime South Florida jurist dies at age 84
Longtime appellate Judge Thomas H. Barkdull Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens is dead. He died Tuesday at the age of 84.
The Senate today passed and sent to President Obama legislation that would make the most sweeping changes to financial services regulation since the Great Depression.
Reinsurance Tax Debate over HR 3424 Heats Up at Committee Hearing
Both sides presented their views at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, July 14. Compromise over whether or not to disallow deductions for premiums paid to purchase reinsurance from “affiliated companies,” who are located outside of the U.S., doesn’t seem likely.
U.S. House Denies Wind Amendment on Flood Vote
Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., today characterized as “absurd” a decision by House officials not to allow a floor vote on an amendment to the National Flood Insurance Program that would add wind coverage to the program.
Texas windstorm insurer to settle some Ike cases
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association will pay out an estimated $189 million to policyholders whose homes were razed to the slab nearly two years ago.
The United States should not be among the first wave of countries assessed for equivalence with European Union insurance regulations under Solvency II because of difficulties determining an assessment under the U.S. state-based system of insurance regulation, according to a draft recommendation released by a group of European regulators on Wednesday.
One-third of Louisiana homeowners believe property policies cover flood damage
Louisiana statistic is twice the national average
Five years after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, nearly a third of Louisiana homeowners mistakenly believe that their homeowners policies cover flood damage, according to a poll by the Insurance Information Institute.
Washington Workers’ Comp Initiative Qualifies for Ballot
An initiative to eliminate Washington’s workers’ compensation insurance monopoly and allow private insurers to offer coverage for workplace injuries has qualified for the November ballot.
CNA Pays Berkshire $2 Billion to Assume Asbestos, Pollution Claims
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will take over asbestos and environmental pollution risks now held by CNA Financial Corp. in exchange for a $2 billion fee.
GOP candidates for insurance commissioner accuse each other of ethics violations
Two Republican candidates for Insurance commissioner and a new ethics complaint charge opponent Ralph Hudgens with violating rules on handing campaign finances, but the Hull legislator says they’re uninformed and guilty themselves.
Broker Guy Carpenter names marine, energy executive
Guy Carpenter & Co. L.L.C. said Wednesday that Martin Pepper has been appointed head of the global risk and reinsurance specialist’s marine and energy practice, effective Aug. 16.
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