Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, March 18

Mar 18, 2008

 

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Insurance firms walloped

Insurance industry losses from the subprime mortgage debacle have the potential to surpass Hurricane Katrina claims.

The collapse of the subprime mortgage market will lead to record losses for insurance companies, overtaking Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.

Senator Mike Fasano: Pasco letters: Insurance reform is still under way

Take action to protect our insurance rates

It is ironic that on the day after the Florida Senate’s Select Committee on Property Insurance Accountability presented its legislative recommendations to the Florida Legislature, the referenced letter was published stating that Florida’s insurance problems are no longer in the headlines.

Crist Pushing Low-Cost, Low-Coverage Insurance

Florida’s 3.8 million residents without health insurance could have the option to purchase state-approved coverage from private insurers at almost half the cost under a plan advocated by Gov. Charlie Crist.

OPINION: Names Insurance Reform Must Remember

As the 2008 legislative session begins and hurricane season approaches, Florida’s businesses and homeowners continue to struggle with the increasing cost of property insurance.

2008 Legislature roundup

The Florida Legislature is in session through May 2. Here are the key issues yesterday and what’s coming up:

Property-tax proposal could give South Florida big savings

A state tax panel is offering Florida voters a historic chance to cut property taxes by eliminating taxes that pay for schools.

Florida bill would limit liability for ER doctors

Check with the national board of neurosurgeons, and you’ll find 12 neurosurgeons listed in St. Petersburg.

Resort tax plan battle is brewing

Lawmakers are crafting a package to shield time shares and online travel sites from some taxes.

Prodded by lobbyists for online travel companies and time shares, state lawmakers are quietly crafting a package that could ultimately shield those industries from millions of dollars in taxes every year.

Florida’s fiscal woes a canary in the coalmine for America?

With pride, some in Florida have promoted the state in political and business sectors as the “new California” – a bellwether for what’s just over the horizon for the rest of America.

Dist. 55 election draws one voter Monday

Early voting began Monday for the Florida House District 55 seat, and all was quiet at Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office.

More Election Troubles in Florida, but That Doesn’t Bother the Governor

What does Gov. Charlie Crist, the staunchly sunny (and tan) chief executive of Florida, think about the national attention his state’s latest ugly election dispute has drawn?

Appeals court hears Fla. arguments

A lawyer for the Democratic National Committee argued Monday that political party rules are not the equivalent of government mandates.

Bush expected to drum up $1.4 million in Florida tour

President Bush will wrap up a $1.4 million Florida fund-raising swing today by making a late-afternoon stop that could snarl rush-hour traffic between Palm Beach International Airport and the town of Palm Beach.

Financial Services Committee to Hold April 9 Hearing on Economic, Mortgage and Housing Rescue Bill

Hearing will include federal regulators, economists, academics and community leaders

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank announced today the committee will hold a hearing on the economic, mortgage and housing rescue plan he announced last week.

PCI Joins Insurance Research Council

The Malvern, Pa.-based Insurance Research Council announced today that Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) has joined nine other insurance organizations as IRC’s newest member.

American Capital recognized for track record

A.M. Best Co. assigned an initial financial strength rating of B++ to American Capital Assurance Group.

Average Homeowners Policy Rate Comparison is Meaningless

Despite the insurance industry’s traditional reliance on averages, averages don’t always make sense when comparing premiums.

U.S. Court Rules Against Bear Stearns in Insurance Case

Here is more bad news for troubled investment bank Bear Stearns Co Inc: A New York appeals court has ruled that its insurers are not responsible for the costs of an $80 million settlement in late 2002 over the firm’s stock research practices.

Update: Mississippi Senate Sends Gov. Bill to Give $25M to Wind Pool

The Mississippi Senate sent Gov, Haley Barbour a bill last week to transfer $25 million into a fund that assists the state wind pool.

AIG Settles Pa. Bid-Rigging Claims For $13M

American International Group Inc. (AIG) said yesterday it reached a $13.5 million
settlement with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department over allegations of bid-rigging and filing false financial information.

NCCI Calls For 8.6% Rate Cut In Louisiana Comp

Rates for most workers’ compensation insurance in Louisiana are expected to decrease by 8.6 percent this year, State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced today.

Focus is on flood safety awareness

March 17-21 is National Flood Safety Awareness Week

The National Weather Service and state emergency management officials encourage residents to update their preparedness plans next week during National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 17-21, 2008.

Umbrella Coverage for Preventing Your Ruin

HERES the nightmare: Your car skids.

Wine taster’s nose insured for millions

His schnoz is not to be sniffed at.

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