Voters will be watching
By Bart Leath, Publisher; Bryan L. Obenchain, EditorJasper Schneider's "plan" to create a state disaster fund to aid communities during emergencies might be a good idea. But with no details to speak of, it's hard put much stock in the "plan" just yet.
The Democrat Schneider, a state representative from Fargo, is challenging incumbent insurance commissioner Adam Hamm.
Schneider's plan, which is really more of an idea at this point, would have legislators set aside money to be used at the discretion of the insurance commissioner to assist communities trying to recover from a disaster.
How much money would be set aside? Schneider doesn't know.
How would the money be distributed? Schneider doesn't know.
Hamm has been right to criticize the plan as vague, because, well, it is vague.
We agree with Schneider that the state should have some sort of disaster fund. Most states already have such a program in place. But we'd need many more details or any details for that matter in order to determine if we'd support the plan or not. And legislators certainly will want to the fine-print details of any plan they're asked to approve and fund when the 2009 Legislature convenes in January.
Schneider, meanwhile, will have a chance soon to criticize Hamm. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has asked for a 14.9 percent increase to health insurance premiums for employee groups, which represents about a quarter of the members of Blue Cross Blue Shield, the state's largest insurer. Hamm, as insurance commissioner, will decide to accept or reject the request. He has already rejected a request for a 14.8 percent increase in premiums for the bank depositor group, which represents individuals. Blue Cross Blue Shield is appealing that denial.
Much like in the case of ?Schneider's disaster "plan," the voting public will be watching how Hamm handles the latest rate hike request from the Blues.
