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Government shrugs as insurance crisis worsens

It's not just a problem anymore, it's a crisis. Government leaders must show some true leadership and seriously address the situation.

By DELL DECHANT
Published July 6, 2006

The incredible increases in homeowners' insurance premiums are creating hardships for many Floridians and truly catastrophic problems for some. This is a dramatic crisis as severe as any natural disaster. It is certainly statewide, but its impact is especially destructive in this part of Florida. Our rates are considerably higher than in other parts of the state, or so my insurance agent tells me.

It appears the Legislature and current governor have done nothing to resolve this statewide problem. Although there continues to be a steady flow of ideas and proposals as yet there does not appear to be any action that has slowed the increase in premium costs. Just the opposite is happening. Rates are increasing and the increases are accelerating.

There are now reports of people actually losing their homes or selling them against their will because of the insurance crisis. It is hitting all of us, from people with low and fixed incomes to the middle class, who must struggle more than might be expected, to the prosperous, who may not have to struggle so much, but who certainly are affected as well.

The crisis is not just a financial problem for individuals and families. It is increasingly becoming a social problem affecting the general economy, health care and maintenance, peace of mind, personal relationships and happiness. It is demoralizing to many.

Around west Pasco, I have noticed the insurance debacle seems to be a frequent topic of conversation. It is not discussed in positive, constructive ways, but rather in tones of resignation and despair. Interestingly, government is seldom blamed for the problem, which may seem like good news for government officials, but then again, no one really seems to be receiving blame.

Many folks feel powerless, abandoned and anxious. Again, the analogy to a natural disaster seems apt. People do not know whom to blame, but moreover, they do not know who can help. They do not know where to turn. They see their resources depleted, their ability to care for their families compromised, their opportunities to have a good time curtailed or removed entirely. And then they get the mail with another steep increase in their premiums. Government should act to help in situations such as this, but it appears that government is not doing anything.

One is tempted to harmonize on the old refrain: This cannot be happening in America. Unfortunately, it is.

Perhaps we need a special session of the Legislature to address the crisis, but the Legislature's track record on this matter is not encouraging. This problem has been developing for at least the past four years. We have all seen it coming like a hurricane bearing down on us. We have seen conditions worsen with each passing year. The press has covered the growth of the problem in detail, we have heard the rhetoric about steps being taken to rectify the situation, but the situation has only become worse.

Every candidate for governor should come to west Pasco and talk about his plans to resolve this problem. This is the eye of the storm. Leadership is needed and the genuine political power the governor possesses must be used to focus government action on this matter for the good of all the people.

Dell deChant, a former New Port Richey City Council member, teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of South Florida.

[Last modified July 6, 2006, 06:24:30]