PROTECTINGAMERICA.ORG E-NEWS ProtectingAmerica.org 'In The News' ProtectingAmerica.org officials have been in the news discussing the need for an integrated, public-private national catastrophe solution. Here's a selection:
To read, hear and see these stories and more, visit ProtectingAmerica.org's newsroom. ProtectingAmerica.org Co-Chair Advocates Need for National Catastrophe Program to Florida Hurricane Insurance Task Force | |  | | | | James Lee Witt, appearing on South Florida's WPLG 10 News during Florida task force hearings | |
James Lee Witt, co-chair of ProtectingAmerica.org, discussed the urgent need for a comprehensive, national response mechanism for catastrophes that would include a national catastrophe fund before the Task Force on Long-Term Solutions for Florida's Hurricane Insurance Market. Witt capped two days of hearings held by the Florida task force, which was created in 2005 to assess Florida's insurance status and develop methods for improvement. Read more Listen to James Lee Witt on news radio 610 WIOD, Miami
New York Taking Steps for Better Protection
Leaders at all levels of New York government are taking steps to better prepare and protect New Yorkers from catastrophe. Representatives Steve Israel (D-NY) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) expressed their support for the creation of a privately financed, nationwide federal reinsurance fund for catastrophic insurance. The bill, HR4366, would establish a national catastrophe program to better prepare for and protect citizens from the ravages of natural catastrophes and protect taxpayers from having to subsidize so much of the costs of catastrophe as they do today. New York Senator Michael Balboni (R- East Williston) and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Babylon) are also demonstrating bipartisan, bicameral support for catastrophe legislation on the state level. Named the 'New York Consumers Catastrophe Preparedness and Protection Act,' their legislation would create the New York Catastrophe Fund, a public-private partnership that would act as a backstop to strengthen weaknesses in the current system. NAIC Passes Resolution in Support of a National Disaster Program The National Association of Insurance Commissioners passed a resolution at its winter meeting in support of a national disaster program to provide a comprehensive legislative solution to the problems presented by catastrophe. Read the resolution Coalition Spotlight ProtectingAmerica.org coalition member Operation HOPE, Inc. released a survey finding that most Americans, more than three-quarters, feel they are not prepared if a disaster strikes- physically or financially. According to the study, half of Americans say they believe a major natural disaster or terrorist attack will likely occur. Read more on the study's findings Keep visiting our newsroom for more news, studies, and spotlights on ProtectingAmerica.org coalition members. Send Us Your News Do you have news that you would to include in our Coalition Spotlight? Write to us at enews@protectingamerica.org and let us know how your organization is working to better protect America from catastrophe. Your news will be added to the Web site and featured in an upcoming newsletter. Are you interested in becoming a ProtectingAmerica.org coalition member? Learn more about the coalition and register to become a member at ProtectingAmerica.org.
ProtectingAmerica.org's mission is to raise awareness, educate the public and policymakers, and offer solutions that will better prepare and protect America from major catastrophe in a sensible, cost-effective fashion. Please contact enews@protectingamerica.org if you have any questions or comments.
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