Legislative preview: Major issues for new session

House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, right, R-Chehalis, talks to reporters as Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, left, D-Spokane, and Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, center, R-Walla Walla, look on, Thursday Jan. 5, 2012, during the AP's annual Legislative Preview, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. The 2012 legislative session will begin next week. (The Associated Press)

Last year brought a pay cut for government employees to help fund pensions and balance the budget, the repeal of Florida's growth management regulations, a teacher merit pay system, new abortion restrictions, reduced unemployment benefits, expanded gun rights and a Medicaid overhaul.

This year, lawmakers will be distracted by the once-a-decade process of redrawing legislative districts. The appetite for controversial issues also tends to wane during an election year.

But a number of proposals are likely to get serious attention, from a push for new casinos to university reforms and a bid to decrease auto insurance costs by restricting personal injury claims. Lawmakers also will be forced to address another large gap between projected spending and revenues.

Here is a look at the major issues likely to be debated in the state Capitol during the 60-day session:

THE BUDGET: After slashing $4 billion in state spending last year, lawmakers dread crafting another tough budget.

Sales tax revenues have lagged with the economy; experts say the state may face a $2 billion deficit. Gov. Rick Scott and top lawmakers have vowed not to raise taxes, which would force more deep cuts.

And Scott wants to increase funding for public education after last year's cuts. He would make up the difference by slashing Florida's $20 billion Medicaid health insurance program for the poor, a reduction hospital officials say would be difficult to absorb.

Some lawmakers see an out: delaying a budget vote until after the session's scheduled end in March. If an improving economy diminishes the budget shortfall as the year progresses, rising revenues could negate the need for big cuts.

Florida Homeowners Insurance Debate - News


Legislative preview: Major issues for new session

FORECLOSURES: Roughly 368000 foreclosure cases still clog Florida's court system. Hastening the process could boost the housing market. Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland, has a bill pushed by the Florida Bankers Association that would force homeowners to



Post-tornado law would allow Alabama residents to hire private insurance adjusters
Post-tornado law would allow Alabama residents to hire private insurance adjusters

For example, it said, Mississippi's average homeowner premium was $980 in 2008 compared to $871 for Alabama -- 12.5 percent higher. Kabitzke said that ought to be alarming considering the upward pressure that is already being felt on insurance rates in



Top Florida Real Estate Stories of 2011
Top Florida Real Estate Stories of 2011

If widely available, the cost could drive buyers away and hurt current homeowners. Citizens Property Insurance, the state-owned insurer, sits squarely in the middle of the debate since it covers most of the high-risk properties and, should a major



Predictions: 20 things to watch for in Tampa Bay in 2012

Rick Scott and legislative leaders, the state-run insurer of last resort Citizens Property Insurance will go on a tear. Look for sharply rising insurance rates for many, while other Florida homeowners get dropped back into the murky market of private



Editorial: The 2012 Florida Legislature; editorial board agenda of Scripps ...

Review personal injury protection car insurance program with eye toward reducing fraud. Continue to reduce subsidies to Citizens insurance customers. Pursue actions that lure healthy private insurers into homeowners market.




Questions On Advertising an Insurance Agency | Bridge View - Florida

Questions On Advertising an Insurance Agency

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Florida Homeowners Insurance Debate - Bookshelf

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