PROTECTINGAMERICA.ORG E-NEWS With the progress of a national catastrophe fund making headlines almost daily, this month we'd like to take a tour around the country and update our coalition members on the important progress taking place at the state level to better prepare and protect America from catastrophe. Following is an update on the significant developments in states currently considering the establishment of a state catastrophe fund: Louisiana Stemming from positive reforms made in the last legislative session, Louisiana Catastrophe Fund champion Senator Nick Gautreaux continues to seek support from his colleagues and other stakeholders to ensure necessary reforms in the current market. He will introduce the legislation again when the new Legislature convenes on March 31st. Issues surrounding homeowners insurance continue to weigh heavy on consumers and providers alike which is expected to continue to keep catastrophe protection as a priority for the Louisiana legislature . In addition, newly elected Governor Bobby Jindal has identified insurance accessibility as a priority within his administration. Massachusetts Under the leadership of Senator Robert O’Leary and the Massachusetts Homeowners Insurance Commission lead by Senator Stephen J. Buoniconti and Assemblyman Ronald Mariano the Bay State has embraced issues surrounding homeowners insurance affordability and accessibility. Following the Commission’s report which was released in late November, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services met in mid-February and reviewed Senator Leary’s legislation that would create a Massachusetts Catastrophe Fund. Action is expected in the coming weeks to report Senator O’Leary’s bill from committee.
Missouri In mid-February the Missouri Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee held a hearing on legislation that would create a state Catastrophe Fund. A diverse group of stakeholders spoke at the hearing to share their experiences and perspectives. The issues discussed at this important hearing mirror the crisis around the country—lack of affordable and comprehensive coverage. New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney has embraced the cause of ProtectingAmerica.org and will be the lead sponsor of legislation to create a New Jersey State Catastrophe Fund. Sweeney is among the most powerful and most highly respected legislators in New Jersey. He has an overriding commitment to the first responders and others who will receive essential funding for catastrophe response under his bill. In the General Assembly, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt are also sponsoring a similar initiative. New York Support for legislation in the Empire State continues to grow as fully one-third of the members of the State Assembly have officially joined as sponsors of legislation to create a catastrophe fund in New York.. This effort has been led by Assembly Bob Sweeney who has embraced the concept of achieving accessible and affordable homeowners insurance and promoting the benefits of a catastrophe fund for local communities in both the time of crisis and when the weather is favorable. Texas An Interim Legislative Study Commissions will be reviewing the effects and exploring opportunities for comprehensive homeowners insurance during this off-legislative year. These efforts will include working in conjunction with the Texas Windstorm Association (TWIA) to identifying real reforms relating to other natural disasters and support for first responders and mitigation efforts. Connecticut The Senate Insurance and Real Estate Committee held hearings on February 28th on Senate Bill 167, legislation that would direct that Connecticut Commissioner of Insurance to study whether Connecticut should create a State Catastrophe Fund. SEND US YOUR NEWS DO YOU HAVE NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN OUR COALITION SPOTLIGHT? WRITE 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. See a list of our coalition members | 
