Declarations

Wind Pool Infusion

“I think that it’s first and foremost the biggest obstacle we have in rebuilding. If you can’t obtain insurance, then you’re at a standstill. You can’t buy a new piece of property and start building if you don’t have insurance on it. You can’t get a loan.”

—Sen. Michael Watson on Feb. 29, the same day the Mississippi Senate passed a bill that would transfer $25 million to a fund that assists the state wind pool. The cash infusion would help reduce rates for property owners, said Senate Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo.

Arson in the Firehouse

“It’s especially tragic when an arsonist turns out to be a firefighter, someone sworn to protect the public.”

—Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine, commenting on the arrest of eight suspects charged in a series of arson fires in Irwinville, Ga., dating back to last summer.

Tough on DUI

“My message to the Senate is simply this — show the people of South Carolina that you’re serious about cracking down on DUI, and agree with the House changes without any further delay. Get this bill to my desk as soon as possible so that we can take this important step toward impacting the daily carnage on our roads.”

—South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford urging the state Senate to go along with the tougher House version of his state’s drunk driving law.

Free the Hops

“I’m here to tell you a kid who can afford a $150 pair of tennis shoes, certainly can afford to pay a little more for a beer.”

—Alabama Rep. Richard Laird, D-Roanoke, taking issue with the passage of an Alabama House bill that would allow the sale of gourmet and imported beers that have an alcohol content as high as 13.9 percent.

Rate Competition in Georgia

“Market oriented rating laws, like the file and use proposal, benefit consumers and insurers alike. A file and use rating law encourages greater competition than one that requires prior state approval.”

—Ray Farmer, American Insurance Association assistant vice president, southeast region, commenting on a measure the Georgia General Assembly passed allowing file and use for private passenger auto rates above the mandated minimum liability limits — a major step toward a more competitive auto market according to AIA.