Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, July 27
Jul 27, 2010
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THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Insurers to Try Again to Soften Regulation
Legislation seeking to make it easier for property insurers in some cases to raise rates without a drawn-out regulatory case will return next year, and backers are hopeful that with a new governor it will become law.
Citizens Property Insurance board approves rate hike
Next up: Office of Insurance Regulation will review the rate proposal
Citizens Property Insurance’s board approved an average 8.4 percent statewide rate hike Monday.
Blog: Amid property insurance rate hikes, some condo premiums dropping
Home and condo unit owners have reported spikes in property insurance costs.
Florida’s MDW Insurance Buys Genesis Risk Advisors
Coral Gables, Florida-based insurance agency MDW Insurance Group has acquired Genesis Risk Advisors.
Cape Coral residents to get break in flood insurance rates
Cape Coral homeowners will get a 25 percent break on their federal flood insurance premium.
Blog: Rick Scott doesn’t believe in global warming
In a wide-ranging interview Monday aboard his campaign bus, GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott said science does not support global warming.
If Florida Hospital drops United Healthcare, what should you do?
Florida Hospital and United Healthcare face an Aug. 15 deadline
While officials from United Healthcare and Florida Hospital are deadlocked in contract negotiations, thousands of Central Floridians are waiting in a health-care limbo.
Sunshine State News: Center for Science in the Public Interest — Florida skimps on food inspections
A public-interest group warns that food inspections at Florida hospitals, nursing homes and day-care centers will be less rigorous under a new state law.
News Release: CFO Sink Statement on Results of Healthy Kids Independent Review of WellCare
Florida CFO Alex Sink issued the following statement following the results of an independent review she requested of WellCare’s accounting for medical expenses under the Healthy Kids contract.
Former Florida Surplus Lines Chief Fatally Burned
Charles “Charlie” Gray, 77, of Tallahassee, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11:45 p.m. at Shands Burns Critical Care Unit in Gainesville.
Grady v. Crist round two: Lawsuit to return Republican donations dismissed in federal court
It’s a legal tug of war. Gov. Charlie Crist quietly moved a lawsuit filed against him in Collier Circuit Court to federal court, citing the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
Florida Among 19 National Finalists in ‘Race to the Top’ Federal Education Reform Competition
Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced today, July 27, 2010, that Florida has been selected as one of the 19 finalists in Phase 2 of “Race to the Top,” a national grant challenge to improve schools as part of the federal stimulus program.
Speculation on running mates for governor’s race heats up
In the next few weeks, the candidates for governor face a decision fraught with danger: choosing a running mate for the obscure position of lieutenant governor.
Florida Republican Party gives Tobia $32K
The Republican Party of Florida is putting its money on John Tobia for House District 31.
3 from Broward vie to replace Bogdanoff in GOP race for Broward-Palm Beach seat
Ellyn Bogdanoff’s decision to seek higher office this year has set off a battle among three Broward County Republicans to follow in her footsteps to represent the Broward-Palm Beach County seat in the state House.
Democrats with different styles compete for state House 86 seat
Voters in state House District 86 have two choices: an establishment-picked candidate loyal to the party, or a grass-roots Democrat with social justice and constitutional issues on her platform.
House District 89 primary pits former Lake Worth mayor against incumbent’s husband
The Democratic primary for the District 89 state House seat pits soft-spoken electrical engineer Pete Brandenburg, husband of term-limited State Rep. Mary Brandenburg, against the not-so-quiet former mayor of Lake Worth, Jeff Clemens.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Marco Rubio calls for federal layoffs
Senate candidate Marco Rubio’s plan to cut federal spending includes trimming the federal workforce
Republican U.S. Senate contender Marco Rubio rolled out a dozen proposals to reduce federal spending Monday, becoming the latest Florida GOP candidate to call for shrinking government and cutting the size of its workforce.
Blog: Florida consumer confidence falls to lowest rating in 25 years
Florida’s economy may be teetering on the brink of recovery, but tell that to consumers.
Insurers Blast Flood Bill Over Concurrent Causation
The House passed a five-year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, but a concurrent causation amendment is prompting fierce industry opposition, and it is unclear whether the Senate will even take up the measure this year.
Congressman Clarifies Surplus Lines Reform Intent To Avoid Delays
As regulators prepare to implement the financial services reform legislation, a House member sought to clarify the legislative intent of surplus lines provisions in a recent floor statement.
Swiss Re Provides Parametric Cover For Alabama State Insurance Fund Hurricane Exposure
Alabama has made a three-year agreement with Swiss Re in which Swiss Re will pay the state for wind losses based on documented wind speed in the event of a hurricane.
Court Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging California Commissioner’s Actions
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is considering a recent court decision a victory for consumers, as a lawsuit that attempted to stop the Commissioner from protecting Californians in connection with the Executive Life Insurance Co. was dismissed by the Court.
U.S. House to Try to Advance Auto Safety Bill After August Recess
The House of Representatives will try to advance an overhaul of auto safety laws when Congress returns from its August recess, a top lawmaker said recently.
The CEA (Centre d’Etudes d’Assurance), the European insurance and reinsurance federation, has written to the US House of Representatives to express its concerns over proposals to change the US tax treatment of reinsurance between affiliated entities.
Gordon Ito named Hawaii insurance commissioner
Gordon Ito has been appointed Hawaii state insurance commissioner.
California State Fund Names Rowe President/CEO
The California State Compensation Insurance Fund has named Tom Rowe president, CEO and member of the Executive Committee. He will report directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of State Fund.
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