Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Citizens Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, needs more outside legal help. A dozen more law firms, to be precise.
That’s because of “the current volume of pending litigation … associated with catastrophic events that directly impacted various parts of Florida,” referring to Hurricanes Michael, Irma and other storms of recent years.
An action item in last week’s board of directors meeting agenda packet laid out the need. The board later approved expanding the pool of defense firms to be used, if needed, following a natural disaster.
They’ll be paid from an existing $350 million pool of money first approved by Citizens’ board in 2015. Up till now, about $226.2 million of that has been spent.
“While our current needs are being met, we are trying to stay a step ahead by ensuring that we have the resources available to handle legal issues as efficiently as possible,” said Citizens Chairman Gary Aubuchon, a former state lawmaker.
“While we expect recently enacted AOB (assignment of benefits) reforms to reduce litigation over the long haul, the board’s vote increases the pool of available resources should they be needed following a catastrophe.”
Citizens can spend up to that $350 million in “claims-related legal expenditures” through 2021 without additional board approval. Aubuchon said funds will be spent “only if expenses are incurred.”
The new firms are named in the action item here.
Evening Reads
“Senate passes $4.6 billion emergency border bill after rejecting House version” via Zachary Basu of Axios
“Donald Trump raises eye-popping $36 million since launching reelection campaign a week ago” via Brian Schwartz of CNBC
”Debate season has arrived” via Steve Schale for Florida Politics
”Watching the Democratic debate tonight — with Twitter on the little screen. Keep this in mind” via Shannon McGregor of the Washington Post
“Elizabeth Warren announces plan to ‘step up our game on protecting our vote’ in FIU speech” via Veronica Penney of the Miami Herald
“He’s a Democrat who won in Trump country. He didn’t make the debates. What’s next for Steve Bullock?” via Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times
“Apple News launches candidate guide ahead of 2020 Democratic debates” via Apple News
“’We will be on the case tonight’: FEA President looks for debate discussion on public education” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics
”DNC holding Florida fundraiser tied to debates” via Maggie Stevens and Marc Caputo of POLITICO
“Climate concern animates Democrats ahead of first debate” via Gavin Bade of POLITICO Florida
“Miami Democrats stress climate, immigration issues, promise high turnout in 2020” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Hurricane Michael destroyed their homes. Then the insurance heartache began.” via Zach Sampson and Douglas Clifford of the Tampa Bay Times
“Will new Lottery warning labels shortchange Florida’s education budget?” via Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Florida Phoenix
Quote of the Day
“No community understands (socialism) better than the Cuban family here in Miami … It’s not a ‘buzzword’ for them. It’s something that’s frightening.” — Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, visiting a Cuban café in Miami ahead of the Democratic presidential candidates’ debate.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
The Florida Bar will continue its annual convention, with events including a “State of the Judiciary” address by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady. Justices Barbara Lagoa, Robert Luck and Carlos Muniz, who were appointed to the court early this year, also will be introduced. Events start at 8 a.m., with State of the Judiciary address at 12:15 p.m., Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton.
The Florida Transportation Commission will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-585-9008. Code: 421319736.
The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to release its weekly opinions at 11 a.m.
The progressive group For Our Future will hold a briefing for reporters about 2020 election efforts, including efforts to defeat President Donald Trump at noon, Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, Miami.
Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando will continue a series of events to recap the legislative session. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook. That’s at 6 p.m., The Paragon School, 4710 Adanson St., Orlando.
Ten Democratic presidential candidates will appear in the second of two nights of televised debates in Miami. The candidates who will participate Thursday are U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado; former Vice President Joe Biden; Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana; U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California; former Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado; U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont; U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California; author Marianne Williamson; and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. That’s at 9 p.m., Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The debate will be televised on NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo.
