The 2012 Legislative session is right around the corner. It’s hard to believe December has already arrived, leaving only one more committee week before session begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.
Many bills favored by leadership have already cleared their first major hurdle by navigating through at least one committee.
Continue Reading Property Insurance Bills move through Committee as 2012 Legislative Session Nears
The mark of any good legislator is that he or she understands the problems facing their constituents and has the inclination to do something about it. Our latest installment of Tallahassee Spotlight led us to Representative Frank Artiles (R – Miami), who comes from a district where few issues are more salient than those involving the complicated property insurance market. Given his intimate knowledge of public adjusting, Representative Artiles lends a refreshing perspective on these issues in a legislature filled with folks who have had little interaction with policyholders in their hour of need. This unique background has served him well in his short time in Tallahassee.
Frank Artiles commented upon my post, The Initial Political Insurance Views of Public Adjuster Frank Artiles. Since I have been a supporter of Frank and think it is only fair that his response not be buried, I am posting his response here:
Dear Industry professionals,
Many of the quotes that were attributed to me are incorrect, inaccurate and quite frankly not made by me. I would recommend that if anyone has a question regarding statements or quotes feel free to pick up the phone and call me at 305-305-2110
I believe that we need to get public adjusters, insurance companies, attorneys, bankers and independent adjusters to the table to negotiate a system where insurance companies are profitable, homeowners are protected and we reduce the size of citizens which is a disaster waiting to happen. If you do not agree with me, then we can continue the bitter battle. I truly believe as a business man that there is room for negotiations and as a State Representative I believe I can bring people to the table.
As for SOP_81- COMMENT REGARDING MY CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS- I would ask that you do a little research through Florida elections and look at all my campaign contributions. Not one insurance company donated to my campaign, only public adjusters, appraisers and umpires. However, please be aware that I will be accepting campaign contributions from many entities for the 2012.
I WOULD ASK THAT THE PUBLIC ADJUSTERS, APPRAISERS AND UMPIRES BE PATIENT BUT BE VIGIL. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO SUPPORT ME AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ME.
Semper Fi,
Frank Artiles
Continue Reading Frank Artiles Responds to Post as Florida Insurance Politics Starts to Heat Up
The Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate law firm sent a newsletter regarding Freshman House Representative Frank Artiles’ recent teleconference. In "Freshman State Representative Frank Artiles, a Public Adjuster, Meets With Florida Insurance Industry Representatives On Concerns, Commonalities" the lawfirm noted the following:
Continue Reading The Initial Political Insurance Views of Public Adjuster Frank Artiles
(*Chip Merlin’s Note: This guest blog is by Frank Artiles, candidate for the Florida State House of Representatives)
The Bill introduced by State Representative Janet Long has raised many critical concerns among those aligned with the interests of insurance consumers….
Continue Reading Everyone Must Participate In The Political Process
The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) is sponsoring a fundraiser for public adjuster Frank Artiles, candidate for the Florida State House of Representatives. The event is being held next Tuesday, March 2nd in Coral Gables at the Anacapri Restaurant. Here is the notice:
Continue Reading FAPIA Sponsors Frank Artiles Campaign Fundraiser
The Merlin Law Group will host a fundraising event next Tuesday night to help Frank Artiles in his campaign for a seat in Florida’s House of Representatives. The fundraising reception will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Presidential Suite 1830 from 10:30 P.M. to 1:30 A.M. It is intended to be after the Windstorm Conference events and dinner, when some may be looking for late night fun.
Continue Reading Fundraising Event for a Policyholder Advocate Frank Artiles
Imagine if our legislatures had truly knowledgeable insurance consumer advocates. Do you think the insurance industry would have tried to pass laws in Texas and Florida that allowed insurance rates to unfairly rise or allow immunity for wrongful conduct after a loss occurs like TWIA is attempting in Texas?