Louisiana RealEstateRama

July 5, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- John Wortman, CEO of Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), the state’s property insurance of last resort, has announced his upcoming retirement. “John Wortman has been a tremendous asset to Louisiana during our recovery from the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005. He came to Citizens in a time of great turmoil within the organization and worked tirelessly to set Citizens on a course for future efficiency and professionalism. I am grateful to him for his extraordinary contributions and I wish him well in his much deserved retirement,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.

WASHINGTON, DC - July 5, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S Reps. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) last night wrote the U.S. General Services Administration asking for answers on the trailers that are being used to house some workers cleaning up the oil from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The trailers, originally provided to Gulf residents following Hurricane Katrina, were found to have unhealthy levels of formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen. The story was first reported in The New York Times.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- This year, countless home and business owners have contacted me to voice their concerns regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) remapping process. They have good reason to be concerned given that many businesses and families stand to be negatively impacted when the new maps are implemented.

Washington, DC - June 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the FHA Reform Act of 2010, a bill meant to bolster the Federal Housing Administration and help prevent another housing crisis.

May 27, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- At a press conference today, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon kicked off his summer storm tour aimed at raising awareness for hurricane and flood preparedness. Experts are predicting an “above average” 2010 Atlantic hurricane season and Commissioner Donelon is imploring consumers to protect themselves and their property against Louisiana’s most frequent and unpredictable natural disasters – hurricanes and floods

Washington, DC - April 22, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Steve Scalise testified today before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity on H.R. 1264, the Multiple Peril Insurance Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 6, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) --Today, Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) toured St. Bernard Fire Chief Thomas Stone’s home in Chalmette, inspecting the extensive damage caused by toxic Chinese drywall. They discussed how the toxic substances in the wallboard can create a fire hazard. Congressman Melancon also gave an update on pending legislation he is working for in Congress that would help homeowners cope with defective Chinese drywall.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 26, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (La.-03) has sent a letter to committee leadership urging them to support an important Gulf Coast affordable housing provision as they work to finalize legislation extending various tax credits. This provision would boost the construction of affordable housing along the Gulf Coast. It could help rebuild more than 6,000 homes along the Gulf Coast – resulting in $715 million in local income and more than 13,500 local jobs in the region. Specifically, the provision would extend by two years the length of time tax incentives are available for rebuilding affordable housing in hurricane-damaged communities in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

WASHINTON D.C. - March 25, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) voted this week in support of a series of bills to provide more opportunity to U.S. veterans, particularly those who are looking for jobs or are homeless. The measures would increase on-the-job training opportunities for returning veterans, prevent mortgage lenders from foreclosing on a veteran’s home after their service, and make sure payments for disabled veterans keep pace with the cost of living. Also included in the series was legislation to strengthen the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ work to fight and end homelessness. An estimated 131,000 U.S. veterans are homeless nationwide

WASHINTON D.C. - March 25, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) voted this week in support of a series of bills to provide more opportunity to U.S. veterans, particularly those who are looking for jobs or are homeless. The measures would increase on-the-job training opportunities for returning veterans, prevent mortgage lenders from foreclosing on a veteran’s home after their service, and make sure payments for disabled veterans keep pace with the cost of living. Also included in the series was legislation to strengthen the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ work to fight and end homelessness. An estimated 131,000 U.S. veterans are homeless nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) announced today that the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $8,742,938.22 in federal reimbursement grants. This investment, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will reimburse the sheriff’s office for utility costs for their temporary housing facilities incurred from July 2008 through August 2009. Storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused such extensive damage to St. Bernard Parish that the sheriff’s office has been providing temporary housing facilities since the storm for essential law enforcement personnel as the community continues to rebuild

BATON ROUGE, LA - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced the reappointment of Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish to the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Directors.

February 19, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced today his approval of a proposal made by The Hanover Insurance Group to guarantee continued coverage for homeowners policyholders currently insured by The Hanover Insurance Company and Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company. Initially, The Hanover Insurance Group (Hanover) proposed to withdraw Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company and The Hanover Insurance Company from Louisiana and have Gulfstream Property and Casualty Company (Gulfstream) provide coverage to the approximate 10,000 policyholders those two companies presently serve.

BATON ROUGE, LA - February 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of John Marlow to the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Directors.

BATON ROUGE, LA - January 7, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) --Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Roy Burst to the State Board of Home Inspectors. The State Board of Home Inspectors serves to regulate the practice of home inspectors by examining all applicants and issuing licenses or permits to those possessing the necessary qualifications

RAYVILLE, LA - December 17, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Governor Bobby Jindal awarded four grants totaling $110,000 to Richland Parish that will go towards infrastructure improvements. Governor Jindal awarded the funds to local officials in a ceremonial check presentation during an event in Rayville.

Washington, DC - December 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Steve Scalise successfully worked to pass legislation today that encourages banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by toxic Chinese drywall to allow temporary leniency without penalty on payments on their home mortgages. Scalise is a co-sponsor of H.Con.Res. 197 which passed by a vote of 419 – 1.

Sends Letter to Federal Agency Urging Quick Action on Establishing Repair Guidelines for Homes. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) commented today on a new report from a federal agency finding a strong association between defective Chinese drywall and corrosion of pipes and electrical wiring in homes. The report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also found a possible link between the drywall and health problems reported by homeowners

WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 17, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) introduced legislation today to aid Louisiana homeowners with defective Chinese drywall in their homes. The Drywall Victims Insurance Protection Act would prevent insurance companies from cancelling or failing to renew homeowners’ policies as the result of Chinese drywall in the home. The bill would also prevent insurers from changing rates or altering the type or amount of coverage based on problems stemming from Chinese drywall.

Supports Bill After Fighting to Include Louisiana’s Unemployed Workers. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) voted today to help Louisiana families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (H.R. 3548) passed the House today by a strong bipartisan vote of 403 to 12 and will now go to the President for his signature.

BATON ROUGE, LA - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Gary Littlefield to the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board. The Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board serves to regulate the issuance of real estate appraiser and trainee licenses and related services.

Washington, D.C. - November 5, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator David Vitter today joined a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators from three states in introducing a resolution that urges banks and mortgage lenders to work with the estimated 1,300 homeowners in 26 states who are dealing with health and safety issues linked to the use of contaminated drywall. The homeowners have reported a range of similar problems with structural corrosion and odors, as well as many common health concerns, including headaches, rashes, burning eyes and nosebleeds.

BATON ROUGE, LA - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Michael Burroughs to the State Board of Home Inspectors. The State Board of Home Inspectors serves to regulate the practice of home inspectors by examining all applicants and issuing licenses or permits to those possessing the necessary qualifications.

BATON ROUGE, LA - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Michael Burroughs to the State Board of Home Inspectors. The State Board of Home Inspectors serves to regulate the practice of home inspectors by examining all applicants and issuing licenses or permits to those possessing the necessary qualifications.

BATON ROUGE, LA - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Michael Burroughs to the State Board of Home Inspectors. The State Board of Home Inspectors serves to regulate the practice of home inspectors by examining all applicants and issuing licenses or permits to those possessing the necessary qualifications.

Opening Statement of Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-LA) Ranking Member Subcommittee on Oversight Hearing on Administration of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

October 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) released a statement regarding the housing crisis in New Orleans. During his first 10 months in office, Congressman Cao has been consistently vocal on this issue

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that includes $35,045,000 in earmarks Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) secured for projects in the Third Congressional District. The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations conference report (H.R. 3183). The conference report now goes to the Senate for passage, and then to the President to be signed in to law. This annual funding bill will provide a total of $5.4 billion for Army Corps of Engineers projects nationwide

Grants will help create jobs and strengthen communities throughout Louisiana. WASHINGTON, DC - September 29, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon, D-La-03, today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $9.9 million in grants to communities throughout Louisiana, and an additional $7.48 million to the State of Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, LA - September 22, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Bobby Jindal announced appointments to the Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board. The Louisiana Life Safety and Property Protection Advisory Board shall advise the state fire marshal in matters relating to the regulation of the certifying, inspecting, installation, integrating, selling, and servicing of life safety and property protection systems and equipment and to prohibit the use of life safety and property protection systems and equipment which are not properly labeled in accordance with the rules adopted by the state fire marshal in the interest of safeguarding lives and property.