Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on Governor’s 2020 budget
News: 2020 Press Release
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's 2020 budget.
“The Governor's priorities align with the needs of California's consumers and working families for a secure and healthy future. I and the Department of Insurance will continue to be his partner in combating the rising price of prescription drugs and preparing our communities to confront climate change. Insurance non-renewals due to wildfires continue to threaten the integrity of real estate markets and local revenues for emergency services. With the Governor's $100 million commitment to hardening homes to withstand fires, I urge the insurance industry to come to the table to help us create a fire-safe state — because we must do more to keep insurance available to all.
“Stronger consumer protections through the creation of a new state department of financial protection will help us resist the Trump Administration’s corporate-driven agenda that is shifting wealth from working families to the richest Americans.
“Extending Medi-Cal to our undocumented seniors will bring dignity to thousands of people who have helped build California’s economy over decades and are still contributing to our future. So many of our seniors have died too early because they put off care for cancer and other diseases they could not afford to treat or caught too late. Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator María Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula for finally delivering on this dream that so many have shed blood and tears to make a reality.”
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
