By Florida State Representative Scott Plakon

As a longtime fan and admirer of Rush Limbaugh, I was disappointed to hear his comments regarding the work of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee on which I am honored to serve. His suggestions that we “rigged” the maps to force Allen West out of Congress are simply ludicrous. I was there…it didn’t happen…I know. It is especially surprising to see Mr. Limbaugh join with the chorus of left wing groups that are attacking our work.

I can only presume that Mr. Limbaugh’s lack of knowledge of our process, laws and constitution would lead him to make such statements and would lead him to take these kind of cheap shots at Representative Will Weatherford and the work of our committee. Here are the facts:

The legislature did not target members of Congress, the House or Senate, that support the principles of the Tea Party movement. As a member of the Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee where the maps were first approved, I have firsthand knowledge of the process and can state this fact unequivocally.

Under the standards approved by a super majority of Florida voters, it is literally unconstitutional for the legislature to favor or disfavor Congressman West or any other incumbent when drawing new districts. It has been reported that 38 members of the Florida House are either drawn out of their district or are living in the same district as another incumbent. If we were “rigging” the results, we were certainly not very good at it. In fact, the House district that I currently hold has been eliminated. If this stands, I will likely have to run against another incumbent, move or leave the legislature…all rather unpleasant choices.

The proposed map which changes Congressman West’s district is the direct result of a constitutional amendment that I, and many other members, opposed and campaigned against. However, 63% of Florida voters spoke loudly and clearly last November when they voted “yes” to what was called the “Fair District” Amendments…Amendments 5 and 6. Representative Weatherford took an oath to “protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida”. He is now duty-bound to uphold these amendments. Our maps clearly reflect this.

We conducted 26 meetings across the state where thousands of citizens had the opportunity to attend and testify. It is obvious that we have put forth the most open and transparent redistricting process in the history of our state. In one of our committee meetings, I asserted that it is likely the most open and transparent process of any state in the history of the United States. No one disagreed.
By drawing districts that comply with the Florida Constitution as we clearly have done, we ensure that the unelected members of the State Supreme Court will not be able to take over the process and draw their own maps behind closed doors and out of the sight of the public.

I was the only Florida legislator to endorse Herman Cain (when he was at 5% in the polls) before September 24th, the day he won Presidency 5 and started his climb in the polls. Last week I endorsed Rick Santorum. I’ve filed and/or passed the Health Care Freedom Amendment, the red-light camera repeal, the cap and trade repeal, etc., etc. I don’t think that I’ve ever been accused of being an “establishment Republican”!

But when someone of the character, integrity, impeccable reputation and conservative values of Representative Weatherford is accused like this based on unproven speculation and conspiracy theories, I feel that I need to say something…even if it is Rush Limbaugh making those accusations.

I’ve read that Congressman West will still run for Congress, and I firmly hope and believe that he will be elected by Florida voters. He is a hero to our country and our cause.

It goes to show you that even America’s Anchorman, Truth Detector and Doctor of Democracy who is at the cutting edge of societal evolution that can beat the liberals with half his brain tied behind his back can actually get one wrong.

I guess there is a first time for everything.

By Greg Giordano

Senator Mike Fasano’s SB 694,which establishes standards of care for adult day care centers, passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee on January 25th. This is the second of three committee stops in the Senate. It has one more committee hearing remaining before it will be ready for a floor hearing. The House companion, sponsored by Representative Richard Corcoran, is moving forward in that chamber as well.

The legislation is a “truth in advertising” bill that will mandate any facility that markets itself as a daycare facility that offers specialized care to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders meets certain standards of staffing, staff training and other criteria for patient care. It does not mandate all daycare centers to seek this accreditation if they do not put themselves out as providers for this unique population.

“These standards will ensure that individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders receive dignified and appropriate care, support and intervention,” Senator Fasano states. “By enabling them to remain in their homes and the community they feel comfortable in, premature and potentially costly institutionalization will be avoided. Most importantly they will be able to stay a home longer.”

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs estimates that there are over 523,000 Floridians with probable Alzheimer’s, and projects that there will be a 64% increase in the number of Floridians suffering with Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. Additionally, as a 2010 MetLife National Study of Adult Day Services study reports, 47% of participants in adult day care centers across the country suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

“With our elder population being the second largest economic engine in the state we owe this acknowledgement of need and commitment to provide appropriate care to all Florida citizens affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” Senator Fasano states. “In addition, Florida acknowledged the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the safety and security of its citizens with the establishment of Florida’s Silver Alert by Executive Order in October, 2008 and codified into law in 2011.”

With the spotlight turning on the needs of this vulnerable population, family members and friends of those stricken by a dementia-related disorder are seeking caring facilities that are properly certified to meet the unique needs of the individual. The designation “Adult Day Care-Specialized Alzheimer’s’ Services” will help them choose the proper place to enroll their loved one.

With the passage of this legislation, Florida has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to establish a specialty license for adult day care centers providing specialized services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. A state with such a large population of seniors and others with dementia-related disorders should lead the way and hopefully become a model for other states to follow.

The legislative session continues until early March.

Ron Radcliffe contributed to this report.

By Greg Giordano

State Senator Mike Fasano has filed two bills that will prohibit cozy employment and investment relationships between the State Board of Administration and investment firms that do business with the State of Florida.  The State Board of Administration (SBA) is Florida’s agency which oversees investment of public dollars.  In recent months Senator Fasano has been working to secure information regarding a $125 million dollar investment made by the SBA with an investment firm whose CEO  had a prior business relationship with the director of the SBA.

“Red flags began to go up when roadblocks were thrown in front of my efforts to secure information that would help determine whether or not the SBA did its due diligence before investing $125 million dollars with a particular investment fund,” Senator Fasano states.

Senator Fasano was given an invoice of over $10,000 when he asked for copies of documents that detailed the investment between the State Board of Administration and Ramius/ Starboard, an investment fund.  Additionally, Senator Fasano was told that it could take several months to comply with his request.  Senator Fasano appealed to the Trustees of the State Board of Administration for intervention in this matter.  Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater responded by directing Ash Williams, the executive director of the State Board of Administration, to release the requested documentation.  Over the past several weeks the information has been coming out in bits and pieces.

“The longer I looked into this matter the more concerned I became that the system we have in place could potentially allow for improper relationships to develop between Florida’s investment and trust agency and the organizations it does business with,” Senator Fasano remarks.

Senate Bill 1212 prohibits any employee of the State Board of Administration who is in a position to make investment-related decisions from being employed by any investment firm in a similar position for a period of 3 years after leaving the SBA.  Any employee who violates this law is subject to several penalties that are in current law.  Senate Bill 1214 prohibits an investment firm that does business with the SBA from hiring any employee of the SBA who was in a position to make invested-related decisions for a period of 3 years after leaving employment.  An investment firm who violates this law will lose half any profits it may make while in violation.

“The State Board of Administration should be above reproach,” Senator Fasano states.  “This arm of the state government is responsible for billions of dollars in public investments.  Floridians deserve the peace of mind that every investment made by the Board has been done with the needs of their state as a whole in mind.  This legislation will ensure that individuals responsible for investing, and companies that do business with Florida, will not be able to benefit from their respective positions or relationships.”

Senator Fasano’s two bills are available for consideration by the Florida Legislature when it convenes on January 10, 2012.

By Mayor Manny Maroño

A few weeks ago, the Orlando Sentinel ran a story about two Republican state legislators who got involved in a local Mayoral race in Altamonte Springs. In the article, one of the lawmakers, State Representative Matt Gaetz, said his opposition to Mayor Bates was in reaction to the “toxic…legislative agenda” of the Florida League of Cities (of which she is President.)

As a Republican Mayor and as the First Vice President of the Florida League of Cities (FLC), I would like an opportunity to set the record straight on behalf of the League.

First and foremost, the Florida League of Cities believes in a concept known as “home rule.” This concept has deep roots in conservative policymaking and it promotes local control of the policy decisions that impact local citizens.

The FLC believes, as do I, that the government closest to the people is in the best position to serve them and we oppose unnecessary, and often unfunded, state mandates or one-size-fits-all solutions to the problems facing our local communities.

We seek minimal interference from state government much in the same way my state party, the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF), seeks minimal interference from the federal government. While we respect statewide standards and support much of the work of our state government, we believe that many times the state goes too far in telling local governments how to conduct our local affairs.

This “less government” approach works extremely well across our nation and if it sounds familiar, that’s because it is one of the key hallmarks of a conservative platform and is the cornerstone of the GOP’s agenda.

And this agenda is anything but “toxic.” In fact, the League’s efforts to rein in unfunded mandates, to keep local spending local, and to roll back the expanding reach of state government is consistent with an agenda that I believe, as a true conservative, is best for our state.

Conservatives like myself have long sought these types of solutions to the problems we face and I am proud that the Florida League of Cities has given voice to these ideals. By freeing local municipalities, we can find creative solutions to the problems we face. Doing so will give us the chance to work hand-in-hand with our local taxpayers to craft solutions that work now and in the long term.

Manny Maroño is the First Vice President of the Florida League of Cities and the Mayor of Sweetwater. He is also a proud member of the Republican Party of Florida and serves on its executive committee.

By Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins

Allegations of tragic sexual abuse of children have recently sparked
discussions and debates at all levels surrounding this destructive and
unfathomable crime. Without question, it is a difficult and uncomfortable
topic, but one that deserves our focused attention so we can all prevent
future harm and save potential victims.

At the Florida Department of Children and Families, we know that lives are
saved every day by individuals who intervene on a child’s behalf. Children
are our most precious gifts and the idea that anyone would harm them
provokes outrage and remains difficult for most of us to comprehend. All of
us – parents, family, loved ones or even perfect strangers – are often
their front line of protection. Not only does it take courage for a child
to speak up about an abusive situation, but it can take courage for those
whom they confide in to report it to the proper authorities. These critical
actions ultimately keep children from being harmed further, and can stop
other vulnerable children from being abused in the future.

When faced with the knowledge or suspicion that a child is or has been
victimized by abuse, there are several obligations that each of us must
accept. There is our legal obligation, our moral obligation and most
importantly our obligation to that child.Florida law clearly defines that
any person who suspects child abuse is required to report that information
to our agency. But, beyond what is required by law, we must also fulfill
our moral obligation to keep children safe from harm.

Our state abuse Hotline receives calls from teachers, doctors, counselors
and law enforcement officers. We also get contacted by grandmothers,
neighbors, parents and even older children. According to Chapter 39 of
Florida Statutes, “Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to
suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal
custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child’s
welfare …shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the department.”

In Florida, mandatory reporting laws apply to any person who suspects a
child is being harmed. We can all be proud that Florida has one of the
strongest laws in the nation requiring the reporting of suspected child
abuse. This law, which also stands as a moral statement on the importance
we all play in preventing and stopping abuse, makes it clear that there are
no special professions that make people more responsible for a child’s
welfare. All reports to the Hotline are confidential and the name of the
person who called in to report abuse or neglect can never be shared, even
with those involved in the case.

Our state abuse Hotline is one of the few nationwide that is centralized,
which means all allegations of child abuse or neglect come into one
location. Our dedicated Hotline employees ensure that all the information
about one family is linked together to provide our investigators in the
field with criminal history and prior abuse investigations within minutes.
This network helps investigators make critical decisions about the best
possible way to keep a child safe.

There are many signs that a child is being abused or neglected. Children
may have obvious injuries from physical or sexual abuse. They may show
aggressive behaviors themselves, or conversely, shrink away from adults or
show a fear of certain individuals. Children who are being neglected often
have extreme misbehavior and are very clingy to other adults. If you
believe a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Florida Abuse
Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. For a TDD line, call 1-800-453-5145. You can
also fax in an abuse reports to 1-800-914-0004 or report online at
www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/abuse/report.shtml.

As we continue to follow these breaking news headlines and more details
emerge, ask yourself what you would do in a similar situation. Do what you
hope someone else would do for yourself or your child. Do the right thing.
A child’s life could depend on you.

By Greg Giordano

The National Football League has a long held rule that requires home games to be blacked out from broadcast to local markets if the stadium is not sold out 72 hours before the game’s kickoff.  As any diehard Buccaneers fans knows, during the past couple of seasons only away games have been available on television because Raymond James Stadium always seems to have unsold tickets on game day

State Senator Mike Fasano has filed Senate Bill 836 which should rectify this situation.  The bill is being sponsored in the Florida House of Representatives by Representative James Grant of Tampa.  The bill actually applies to all professional sports franchises in Florida that accept public dollars, but the NFL is the only league that has the blackout policy.  Originally enacted to supposedly boost the sale of tickets, the rule has in fact harmed both the team and the fans, especially during tough economic times.  When the cost of a pair of tickets to a Sunday game is out of reach for most Floridians, the blackout does nothing but alienate fans even more.  Senator Fasano’s legislation will fine a team if any game is blacked out during the season.

“Each professional sports team in Florida receives public funding,” Senator Fasano remarks.  “This legislation states that if a team accepts those dollars then they have the responsibility to make certain their home games are sold out before the 72-hour rule kicks in.  If not, then they will be fined $125,000 for each blacked out game.  The funds collected through these fines will be used to purchase game tickets for underprivileged children, military personnel, foster children and others.”

Senator Fasano hopes that the goodwill the team will earn by buying up unsold tickets and giving them away to the community will far outweigh the cost of a fine and the continued bitterness blackouts cause among its fan base.

“This legislation should be seen as an opportunity for teams to make sure their games are sold out, either by aggressively marketing the tickets, or by purchasing them  and giving them out to the community at large,” Senator Fasano comments.  “I believe that the faith fans once had in the Buccaneers, or any other team that blacks out its games, will be restored if a team is proactive.  If it takes a fine or two to get the teams to see the value of buying up their own tickets then so be it.  In the long run the fans will win, the teams will win, and so will the economy.  Successful teams sell more food in the stadium and more sports clothing and memorabilia elsewhere.”

The bill will be considered during the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature, which begins in January 2012.  If passed and signed into law the provisions will apply to the 2012 football season and beyond.

By Greg Giordano

State Senator Mike Fasano Announces that E-FORCSE (Electronic – Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substances Evaluation), the prescription drug monitoring program, goes “live” today. All physicians in Florida will now have the ability to access the prescription drug history of patients in Florida. The monitoring program came about due to efforts of Senator Fasano and others over the pat ten years. Senator Fasano was the prime sponsor of various pieces of legislation during the past decade that led to the launching of the database. The database will assist physicians in identifying both doctor shoppers as well as patients who may not be using their medications properly.

“The prescription database is perhaps the single most important patient safety program to launch in recent memory,” Senator Fasano states. “On average, the scourge of prescription drug abuse claims the lives of seven people per day. This long-awaited tool is intended to cut that number significantly. After many years and many obstacles to overcome, the database is going live at a time when it is needed most. Although we will never know the number of lives that will be saved, we will know that many lives will not be lost as long as the database is consulted by every doctor every time he or she considers writing a controlled substance prescription.”

The database will track all controlled substance prescriptions (C2- through C4) that are filled in Florida. The information contained in the database will include the name and dosage of the controlled substance, where it was filled and who wrote it. Doctors can then use that information in determining what medications are in the best interest of their patient. If the data shows that the person is “doctor shopping” (the illegal practice of seeing multiple doctors in a short period of time to secure the same or similar medications without disclosing that fact) the doctor can either refuse to write a prescription or assist the patient in the pursuit of substance abuse treatment. Many doctor shoppers sell their medications, which is also a crime. The database will assist law enforcement in curbing the proliferation of this dangerous criminal behavior.

“The database, as well as legislation recently passed by the Florida legislature, will cut down the ease of access to prescription drugs by those who may abuse them or sell them,” Representative Richard Corcoran states. “With pill mills being shut down due to the ban on dispensing drugs from most doctors offices, and the launching of the database, Florida is on the road to becoming a safer and healthier state.”

The Florida Medical Association and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association have both encouraged their respective memberships to consult the database. It is Senator Fasano’s hope that in the interest of both public and patient safety that all doctors will see the database for what it is intended to be: a tool to save lives.

# # #

Greg Giordano
Chief Legislative Assistant to State Senator Mike Fasano
8217 Massachusetts Avenue 406 Senate Office Building
New Port Richey, FL 34653 Tallahassee, FL 32399
(727) 848-5885 (850) 487-5062

By Greg Giordano

When Citizens Property Insurance Corporation filed its application for a sinkhole premium increase 45 days ago, a collective shudder went through homeowners covered by Florida’s insurer of last resort.  After several years of adjusting to an annual increase in premiums for combined perils at a relatively affordable 10%, the huge rate hikes being sought where enough to drive people to action.  A small provision in the recently passed Senate Bill 408 opened the door for the rate increase because it lifted the portion of the cap that applied to solely to sinkhole coverage.  With a potential increase in some parts of the state topping 2,000%, the roller coaster pulled out of the station that day for a 45 day journey of ups, downs and rapid turns.

Under the leadership of State Senator Mike Fasano, Sean Shaw of Policyholders of Florida and Jay Neal of Florida Association for Insurance Reform a campaign to defeat the hikes was undertaken.  In the days that followed the filing, the roller-coaster swung through the front lines: sign-waving rallies held in several counties, a host of phone calls and e-mails made and sent to the Office of Insurance Regulation, and a public hearing held by the insurance commissioner which was attended by hundreds of protesting homeowners

On September 19th the roller coaster screeched to a halt as, late that evening, Florida’s insurance commissioner Kevin McCarty served up a stinging rebuke of Citizens’ application.  In his report the head of the Office of Insurance Regulation stated that “the requested sinkhole rate change…is not supported by credible evidence.”  Additionally, several instances were cited in which the provisions of Senate Bill 408 were not taken into consideration at the time the rate filing was made. As a midnight deadline loomed, the Office approved a statewide rate hike of just over 30% statewide, which is a far cry from the 447% originally proposed.

“I am cautiously optimistic now that the rates have been settled,” Senator Fasano states.  “It is important that we keep our eyes on the future.  Citizens will take a good, hard look at the reasons why the Office of Insurance Regulation did not approve the higher rates originally sought.  I have no doubt that the next time round they will be better prepared.  However, I intend to continue advocating for putting the cap back on so that Citizens, or any other insurance company for that matter, will not have the statutory authority to ask for future increases.”

The Office of Insurance Regulation ordered Citizens to conduct an independent study before submitting its next rate filing.  The study must specifically look at the provisions of the new law that were not taken into account.  With the 2012 legislative session starting in January, rather than its usual March start date, the time quickly draws near for potential fixes to the bill that caused this potential disaster from even being stated.  Senator Fasano, Sean Shaw and Jay Neal will all be working together to make sure that the this roller coaster train will never again leave the station.

By Greg Giordano

Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation hosted a public hearing on September 13, 2011 at the Tampa Convention Center to consider an application by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to raise sinkhole premiums by a statewide average of 429%. The amount of the increase varies by county with one county exceeding a 2,000% increase. The hearing, which included sworn testimony by Citizens executives, capped off an almost six-week roller-coaster ride of protests, organized opposition and members of the community uniting for one purpose: to stop the increase.

In the weeks leading up to the hearing, the genesis of the rate hike application can be found in the passage of Senate Bill 408, a widely criticized piece of legislation that was adamantly opposed to by State Senator Mike Fasano. The bill passed during the 2011 session of the Florida Legislature. The premium increase request was filed as a direct result of a provision in Senate Bill 408 which lifted the existing 10% yearly cap on Citizens premiums increases by excluding sinkhole coverage from that cap.

Senator Fasano, who voted against SB 408, asked the governor and the chief executive officer to voice their opposition to Citizens’ plan. Additionally, the senator requested Florida’s insurance commissioner Kevin McCarty to hold public hearings throughout the state. Senator Fasano wrote: “In light of these almost incomprehensible rate increases I respectfully expect that all Floridians be given the chance to have their voices heard on this issue before the Office of Insurance rules on the application.” Commissioner McCarty ultimately agreed and scheduled the September 13 public hearing in Tampa.

As a call for organized opposition arose, Sean Shaw, a former insurance consumer advocate for the state of Florida, joined the fight against the rate hike. Shaw is the founder and director of the advocacy group Policyholders of Florida. Additionally, Senator Fasano was contacted by Jay Neal, the executive director of Florida Association for Insurance Reform, who offered the services of his organization to fight the increase. The first event was a coordinated effort held on August 16. On that day sign-waving rallies and press events were held in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties at which Citizens policyholders came out to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed hikes. Over 250 people attended the rally in Pasco County alone.

As the date of the public hearing drew closer, the outcry from the public grew louder. Policyholders of Florida and Senator Fasano worked together to plan bus rides for customers who could not otherwise travel to the hearing. On the day of the hearing approximately 150 people from Pasco and Hernando Counties joined in the three bus convoy to downtown Tampa. Many other policyholders drove themselves to the hearing from communities in and around the Tampa Bay area.

On the night before the hearing, no doubt expecting the public outcry that would ensue the following day, the Citizens Board of Directors held an emergency conference call in which it was decided the 429% rate hike would be scaled back to a statewide average of 50%. This did not assuage the concerns of Senator Fasano and others, however.
“This was a fight worth fighting, and a fight that won’t stop today,” said Sean Shaw, founder of the Policyholders of Florida, stated in a released statement following the board’s decision. “We will continue to organize for tomorrow’s rate hike hearing, despite the concessions from the insurer of last resort, because that’s the only way to hold rates in check”

“Even though Citizens has chosen to amend the application in the eleventh hour, the potential devastation on the lives of many is none-the-less standing just around the corner,” Senator Fasano testified at the hearing. “Foreclosure is a real possibility for many people who will be unable to afford the increases that are being sought.”

A large number of those customers had the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Some people spoke for themselves while others testified on behalf of a group of policyholders. In the end all who wished to speak were given the opportunity to do so.

“If dropping coverage is the only option that makes homeowners insurance affordable for some policyholders, they may be faced with an impossible situation,” Senator Fasano warned the members of the Office of Insurance Regulation. “Some lenders require sinkhole coverage if a property is encumbered by a mortgage.”

While not all homeowners may be required to have sinkhole coverage, many simply want to carry the added protections.

“Many homeowners want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their home, for most their single largest investment, is fully covered if a sinkhole opens up and causes damage to that home,” Senator Fasano commented. “ Anything less than catastrophic groundcover collapse may leave a host of homeowners in deep trouble if they don’t have sinkhole coverage.”

The insurance commissioner has only a few days before he must decide whether or not to grant the requested increases. No matter what he decides, the opposition is not finished with their work. The aforementioned Florida Association for Insurance Reform is circulating a statewide petition asking the Florida legislature to, among other things, repeal the provision in Senate Bill 408 that lifted the cap on sinkhole premium increases. Additionally, Policyholders of Florida intends to hold legislators feet to the fire as the group advocates for consumer-friendly changes to Florida’s insurance laws.

Senator Fasano, in his closing remarks at the hearing, summed up what will happen in the near future if the rate increases are approved: “Every private insurance company that writes sinkhole coverage will soon be lining up, rate increase applications in hand, if you approve this request,” Senator Fasano stated. “If this trend continues sinkhole coverage will be but a part of Florida’s history.”

Senator Fasano fully intends to continue being a voice for the consumer as the prepares legislation for the 2012 session that will give policyholders greater protections than the law currently allows.

By Greg Giordano

On March 1, 2006 State Senator Mike Fasano called to order the first ever public hearing in Pasco County that brought officials from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and their policyholders from the Tampa Bay area together.  They discussed, and sometimes engaged in angry retorts, about their rising premiums and the looming specter of sinkholes along Florida’s West coast.

“It is my hope that when we adjourn this afternoon we will all have a better understanding of both the insurance crisis that is plaguing our community as well as some of the plans to reign in the rapidly rising insurance premiums so many of us are being forced to pay.” Senator Fasano stated at that event.  “Through past and present legislation my colleagues and I are attempting to make the insurance market as consumer friendly as possible.”

The senator’s desire to convince his colleagues in Tallahassee of the brewing premium crisis culminated during a 2007 special session of the legislature. Senator Fasano championed a rate freeze which was imposed upon Citizens premiums. Additionally, the legislature created a pilot program which allowed policyholders to opt-out of full sinkhole coverage if they wished to do so.  Customers were given the chance to pay for full sinkhole coverage or choose the lower premium coverage known as catastrophic groundcover collapse.  In the several years since a majority of Citizens customers have opted for the less expensive coverage.  However, many lenders have required full coverage for people with mortgages or other liens on their property.

Once the freeze was lifted the legislature imposed a 10% cap on Citizens premiums, meaning that rates could not go up, for any reason, more than 10% per year.  The cap allowed Citizens to recoup monies lost during the “hurricane years” of the past decade, while keeping insurance somewhat affordable for policyholders.

Fast forward to August, 2011 and those very same policyholders are now faced with the possibility of sinkhole rate increases that could amount to 2000%  based on their  county of residence (429% statewide average).  The reason for this is the fact that the cap was partially wiped out in 2011 when the legislature passed, and the governor signed, Senate Bill 408.  Senator Fasano, who saw many aspects of the bill that were consumer unfriendly, strongly opposed the bill in committee and on the Senate floor.  Despite his objections the bill is now law.  The cap was removed for the sinkhole portion of Citizens’ coverage, although it remains in place for other portions of homeowners insurance policies.

Citizens’ Board of Governors approved on July 27, 2011, and sent to the Office of Insurance Regulation, an application that could make the huge rate increase possible.  The application awaiting consideration by the insurance commissioner has the potential to impact every homeowner or community association that is required to carry sinkhole coverage, or who simply want the peace of mind the coverage may bring.

Senator Fasano has called for the insurance commissioner to hold public hearings so that customers may voice their concerns with the proposed rate hike.  In addition he has asked the governor and chief financial officer to weigh in on the issue.  CFO Jeff Atwater has done so.  Additionally, Senator Fasano and the organization Policyholders of Florida are organizing rallies in Pasco, Hernando & Citrus Counties for August 16th.  It is hoped that advocates throughout the state will join the movement and make that date a day to remember.

‘If decision makers understand that these tough economic times already sap what people have in their bank accounts, then hopefully these outrageous rates will be denied,” Senator Fasano states.  “It is not the time to force people to come up with money they don’t have, or potentially lose their homes if their lender requires insurance they can’t afford.”

The next chapter will be written once the Office of Insurance Regulation decides whether to approve or deny the rate application.  Stay tuned at the story continues…