Declarations

“These findings underscore the necessity for a reevaluation of flood risk assessments and preparedness strategies in vulnerable areas.”

— States a report from First Street Foundation, which found more than three-fourths of properties flooded by Hurricane Debby were outside a designated flood hazard area and were likely to be uninsured for the water loss. Many of those properties were concentrated in spots seemingly far away from where the storm made landfall, including Sarasota, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina. First Street is a nonprofit organization that uses computer modeling and loss data to assess risk from climate change and storm events.

“This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work.”

— Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member Grant Provost said of a new law that recently into effect, which allows the state to order businesses to pay back wages as well as damages from missed wages. The law gives the state Department of Labor more tools to hold businesses accountable for failure to pay, lawmakers said.

“Many insurance companies offer products and discounts geared toward students and their particular needs. … Be sure to check with your insurance agent to make sure your student is covered and you are taking advantage of the discounts.”

— In a media release, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt reminded students and parents to add insurance to their back-to-school checklist. Schmidt said parents and students should be aware of discounts and coverages such as good student discounts, renters insurance and identity theft coverage.

“Companies are using invasive technology to violate the rights of our citizens in unthinkable ways. … Our investigation revealed that General Motors has engaged in egregious business practices that violated Texans’ privacy and broke the law. We will hold them accountable.”

— Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said regarding a state lawsuit against General Motors GM.N, which accuses the automaker of installing technology on more than 14 million vehicles to collect data about drivers, which it then sold to insurers and other companies without drivers’ consent.

“Importantly, we have now reached an inflection point which positions us to selectively resume writing new business in these regions. … This is an opportune time to accelerate growth given the disruption in many of our markets that is opening up significant market share …”

— Said Ernie Garateix CEO of Tampa, Florida-based Heritage Insurance in a statement accompanying a recent earnings report. Garateix said Heritage has seen improved profits and plans to resume writing new policies in Florida and Northeastern states, two years after it ceased new business in those areas.

“These findings are unacceptable. … Our seniors deserve the highest standard of care and respect.”

— Said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at a news conference in Albuquerque regarding a report showing that unannounced inspections of nursing homes across New Mexico this year found at least one violation in 88% of them. According to state health officials, just 11 of the 91 assisted living facilities received a perfect score, while 55 got a 90% rating. Four nursing homes — two each in Albuquerque and Gallup — failed their inspections.