Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, January 13
Jan 13, 2009
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Citizens Insurance Rate Freeze Might Be Extended
Legislation is in the works to extend the two-year freeze on Citizens Property Insurance homeowner policy rate increases Florida lawmakers imposed on the state’s insurer of last resort.
Fla. Cabinet gets assurance about small insurers
The state’s insurance commissioner Tuesday tried to calm fears about the solvency of small companies stepping in to replace industry giants that have reduced homeowner coverage in Florida due to the state’s hurricane risk.
McCarty Affirms State Farm Homeowners Rate Denial
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced yesterday that it has affirmed an administrative law judge ruling disapproving State Farm’s rate increase request averaging 47.1 percent for homeowners insurance.
City of Tallahassee may charge at-fault drivers fire-response fees
The city of Tallahassee will introduce an ordinance Wednesday that would charge fire-response fees for at-fault drivers involved in automobile crashes.
Crist May Veto Part Of Deficit Proposal
Gov. Charlie Crist hinted Monday at a possible veto of part of the Legislature’s budget-deficit package because of its education cuts.
Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami to run for U.S. Senate
The race for Florida’s open U.S. Senate is getting an early start, with Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami announcing that he will run for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez.
Robert Wexler to stay in Congress, won’t be joining Obama administration
Boca legislator plans to seek re-election in 2010
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler says he isn’t joining president-elect Barack Obama’s administration and intends to stay in Congress for the foreseeable future.
Dean named Fla. Senate majority whip
Florida Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla has announced Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, will be majority whip, wrangling votes for the Republican Caucus.
Florida, Alabama win round in water wars against Georgia
The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will let stand a lower court ruling that threatens to unravel Georgia’s long-term water plans for the Atlanta region, giving Florida and Alabama a pivotal victory in the states’ long-running water wars.
Florida Legislature to hear reports on state economy
Florida lawmakers continued to meet Tuesday in the special budget-cutting session, but they will take no budget action.
Fla. lawmakers discuss federal stimulus plan
The promised federal stimulus plan is on a state Senate panel’s agenda.
The Select Committee on Florida’s Economy is set Tuesday to discuss priorities for Florida’s use of the federal money, if and when Congress acts on the plan being pushed by President-elect Barack Obama.
Workforce boards look to Crist for help
Groups ask for funding as Florida’s unemployment rate continues to rise
Times are hard, Floridians need jobs and the federal government needs to step up.
NAIC, NAMIC, IIABA React To GAO Regulatory Report
Reacting to a General Accountability Office report suggesting Congress look into possibly creating a federal insurance charter and U.S. insurance regulatory entity, state insurance regulators cautioned against “unjustified changes.”
Captive Unit Terror Coverage Could Be Nixed By Treasury
A Treasury Department official has restated agency objections to risk retention groups creating captive insurance programs limited to providing stand-alone, single-risk coverage for terrorism losses.
Windstorm fund a leading issue at Texas Capitol
Hurricane Ike was the big storm Texas officials feared would hit the coast. Now comes the hard task of paying for it.
Oregon Regulator Takes Insurance Helm In Nevada
Oregon Insurance Administrator Scott J. Kipper, who resigned that post Oct. 31, 2008, has been appointed insurance commissioner in Nevada, replacing Alice Molasky-Arman, who retired in September.
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