Skyrocketing Insurance rates Democrats speak out in Flint.

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
12/01/09
By Terry Bankert
A Flint Divorce Lawyer sharing his opinion!

GIVE US A BREAK, THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS RIPPING US OFF.

Genesee Democrats Spoke out today.

DID YOU KNOW,Michigan drivers pay the second-highest annual average premiums in the country, even though Michigan has the safest drivers and highest seat belt use in the nation[3]
How did that happen? Why have we let the insurance industry drive up the cost of driving?

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN TO ...NOW!

Open your front door, call a State Representative or State Senator, wait for the point where you can leave a message , take a deep breath and scream,( OR JUST TALK LOUD)

You say,"It's time to put teeth back in consumer protections by giving the insurance commissioner the power to stop exorbitant rate increases and (hold) insurance companies accountable."

Then another breath and scream again '"Iam mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore." leave your name and number, ask them to call you. Let us know if they do.


SKYROCKETING AUTO INSURANCE , see the parking lot press conference in Flint MI!

THUMBNAIL
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622782606005/
　
SLIDESHOW
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157622782606005/show/

State Representative Woodrow Stanley(D Flint) and Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) were joined today ,11/30/09,in Flint Michigan across the street from the Genesee County Court House that was emptied of the public and filled with bomb sniffing dogs during a real bomb scare.

They talked about the proposals in Lansing designed to help you save money and get treated right by the Auto Insurance Industry.

The Democrats' plan includes:

Strengthening the Michigan Insurance Commissioner's role by broadening the office's power to deny excessive rate increases and order refunds for consumers who are charged excessively high rates.

Requiring the Insurance Commissioner's approval before rate increases take effect.

Prohibiting rate increases on good drivers who are not at fault in accidents.

Making it illegal for insurance companies to use subjective factors such as a driver's occupation, education level or credit history to deny coverage or set rates.Prohibiting insurance companies from selling consumers' personal information without their consent.Prohibiting Insurance

Commissioners from going to work for an insurance company within two years of leaving office; andCreating a low-cost insurance pilot program for qualifying low-income residents with good driving records.
seehttp://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1480

THE CITIZENS BATTLE THE INDUSTRY AND THE HOUSE BATTLES THE SENATE

Most of the proposals have been discussed by Democrats before but some are in legislation for the first time.The legislation likely would be opposed in the Republican-led Senate if it passes the Democrat-controlled House.[4]

BUT NOT EVERYBODY AGREES WITH THEM..guess who!

A group of Michigan insurance companies responded today to proposed auto insurance reforms from House Democrats, calling them a political "scheme." [2] You know, the same insurace predators that have been ripping us off. They look like a monopoly, sqwauk like a monopoly and must be regulated like a monopoly or the will take us, hurt like an unregulated wall street recently did.

Michigan's auto insurance industry swiftly rebuffed a 10-bill reform package unveiled by House Democrats this morning that would turn authority for setting rates over to a state official. [3] Battle lines are being drawn, this cabal is the real enemy.

They, Stanley, Gonzales and Cherry, were joined by Michigan Insurance Consumer Advocate Melvin Butch Hollowell and State Senator Deb Cherry (D-Burton) to announce sweeping consumer protections that will force the automobile insurance industry to be more accountable and transparent.

Why because this ruthless industry historically has an unfair pricing structure.


But the Michigan Insurance Coalition called the package a political "flash-in-the-pan."
“This state cannot afford the political solutions to economic issues that the Democrat leadership continues to offer,” said Tom Shields, spokesperson for the Michigan Insurance Coalition. “Every piece of insurance legislation they have proposed over the past year would cost consumers more, create a bonanza for trial lawyers or provide a climate in Michigan that will drive insurance companies and their jobs to other states.” [2]

If enacted an insuance commission will have the final say on rate increases.

STANLEY SAID," Too many Michigan residents are struggling to make ends meet, yet they are forcede to pay some of the highest rates in the nation."

GONZALES SAID, the auto insurance industry is given preferental treatment in Michigan and they continue to fuel power and profites by taking advantage of our concumers.

CHERRY SAID, "Allowing Insurance companies to increase rates without penalty will only continue to hurt Michigan families who need insurance coverage but cannot afford these extortionate rates"

Additional Senator Gleason and Cherry comments are on the ABOVE linked video.

see http://www.stopunfairinsurance.com/

Rate hikes by auto insurers in 15 other states are subject to approval by state officials -- and rates are about 20 percent lower in those states than in Michigan. [3]

"States that have that kind of oversight get better rates for consumers," ...
"If you're deserving of a rate hike, you should at least have to prove it. You don't have to do that (in Michigan) today -- you just file your rates and use them immediately." [3]

Insurance executives say they're not sure Hollowell's numbers add up, although some say they're willing to test the idea. They say the real reason rates are so high in Michigan is it's the only state that has no limits on paying medical bills for injured motorists.[5]

Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/

[2]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/auto_insurance_companies_say_p.html

[3]
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091130/BIZ/911300392/1361/Industry-balks-at-bills-aimed-at-auto-insurance-reform

[4]
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iWC48gDNuQQD1cnN2m6Wa5f4weQgD9CA4FE85

[5]
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1583402/Michigan.News/Putting.The.Brakes.On.Auto.Insurance.Rates.

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FLINT COUNCILPERSON DELICO LOYD JR. THROWS FREEMAN UNDER THE BUS AND NOW SUPPORTS OMBUDSMAN!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/24/09
By Terry Bankert, a Flint Divorce Lawyer sharing his opinion.
The link to this article is
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2009/11/lloyd-throws-freeman-under-bus-and.html

FLINT COMMUNITY RISES WITH RISON TO SUPPORT OMBUDSMAN

During the the last city council race at one of the community forums current city council president Delrico Lloyd called for elimination of the Flint Ombudsman’s office. Several other candidates in other races raised the same voice. [I was present at this forum 10/15/09 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Councilperson Loyd voiced his support for elimination of the office. It so amazed me I remember verifying this with another person. This addition is written 1/31/2010. At a special Council meeting yesterday Loyd challenged me on this issue. I guess the issue is becoming hot for him. I stand by my statements here. The meeting was taped but not aired because of a citizens medical emergency that night.]

Slideshow video of meeting to

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157623324278896/show/



NO EASY POLITICAL POINTS TO BE MADE HERE JUST AN ANGRY COMMUNITY.

They thought it would win them political points. I was at several of those forums and saw this thread of an argument developing.

Here is my take.

9th Ward Council person Scott Kincaid has been historically against the office.

Terry Hanson of the Genesee County Landlords Association has been historically against the office.

Loyd has told some of his special relationship with the landlord association.

Defeated councilperson Gonzales spoke out often against the office.

Josh Freemaan wants to make a name for himself with police and fire and was more than willing to carry water for Loyd, Kincaide and Terry Hanson.

That is until the community SPOKE OUT.

The community came forward in the person of that most loved and respected former State Representative Vera Rison.

My guess is Loyd got a talking to and has reversed his opinion, Kincaid will duck back into shadows and Freemaan will be thrown under the bus.

Gonzales will remain defeated.

Stay tuned.

CITIZENS HAVE VOTED TO SUPPORT THE OMBUDSMAN 3 TIMES

Faced with losing more than $2 million in state aid, the city of Flint has begun looking at ways to cut costs. [1] A group of residents turned out tonight in support of the city ombudsman position following talk of eliminating the office.[2]

OMBUDSMAN IS NOT A SIMPLE LINE ITEM, ITS AS IMPORTANT IN THE CHARTER AS THE MAYOR AND THE COUNCIL

One of the latest options being thrown out on the table by a council member: Doing away with the ombudsman's office. [1]

THE OFFICE HAS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The ombudsman is an advocate for city residents. Monday night, the tables were turned as residents came out in support of the office.[1]

RISON DEMANDS THE COUNCIL DO THE RIGHT THING AND SUPPORT THE OFFICE.

"I want to know that you're going to stand for an office that speaks for the people," said Former State Rep. Vera Rison.[1] The comments at the Flint City Council meeting come less than a week after The Flint Journal ,on council members discussing abolishing the office to save money in the face of impending budget cuts.[2]

(see) http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/voters_could_weigh_in_on_elimi.html

WE HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE GOOD THINGS IN THIS COMMUNITY

Rison voiced her concern at the Flint City Council meeting after hearing the ombudsman's office could be cut during the upcoming budget process.[1] "Why would you take a voice that will stand up in the gap for a human being when he's been mistreated and misused?" she said.[1] The office was opened more than 30 years ago to investigate complaints within City hall. It's one of two in the state, and Brenda Purifoy is currently in charge.[1]

WITH SO MANY PROBLEMS ON THE EAST SIDE WHY WOULD ITS COUNCIL PERSON ADVOCAT ELIMINATING A SERVICE THAT HELPS HIS WARD SO DIRECTLY

Councilman Josh Freeman sees a savings in the office, especially with the city in line to lost about $2.7 million in state money.[1]

LOYD HAS GOT IT RIGHT…FOR NOW…KEEP AN EYE ON HIM

City Council President Delrico Loyd wants to look elsewhere before coming down on the office.[1] No decisions where made because the issue will be formally discussed at the committee meeting Dec. 9.[1]

Former Rep. Vera Rison, D-Flint, said the office gives a voice to people who have complaints about city services or departments. She said some voters, who reaffirmed the office in 2006 in a citywide vote, don't want the position to be axed.[2]

GOOD JOB VERA RISON, THANK YOU!

Posted here 11/24/09by Terry Bankert
http://www.flintfamilylaw.com/
[1]
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7134363
[2] http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/11/residents_turn_out_in_support.html flinttalk post
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=49284#49284

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