Congressman Panetta Holds Wildfire Insurance Workshop with California Insurance Commissioner, Local Leaders
SALINAS, CA – Yesterday evening, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) held a wildfire insurance workshop with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, State Senator Bill Monning, and other community leaders and stakeholders to discuss the growing of issues affecting the insurance marketplace due to wildfire risk throughout the state.
"I held this workshop to discuss the specific wildfire insurance issues the Central Coast is facing and potential steps we all can take to lower fire risk protect our community. I appreciate that the commissioner traveled to our district for this important discussion, and I look forward to continuing to work on solutions to these issues," said Congressman Panetta. "Homeowners deserve to be treated fairly when renewing their insurance, and insurers should recognize the efforts families make to improve the resiliency of their properties. I was encouraged by Commissioner Lara's contributions to the discussion, and look forward to continuing to work with him on this issue."
"On the federal level, I will continue to fight for policies that fight climate change and mitigate its effects such as properly managing our national forests, encourage the hardening of homes and the prevention of wildfires, and support recovery efforts to help make communities whole after wildfires occur," Congressman Panetta continued.
"My offices have heard from an increasing number of residents in the 17th Senate District, as well as throughout California, who are struggling to maintain or even find homeowner's insurance. The potential loss of property due to a fire is absolutely frightening and we need to provide Californians with the ability to protect their homes. Thank you to Congressman Panetta and Insurance Commissioner Lara for helping to advance the discussion on this vital issue in Monterey County. I look forward to our continued partnership to protect all of us in the state who face the threat of wildfire," said Senator Monning.
"I am grateful to Congressman Panetta for bringing together Monterey County residents, first responders, legislative and local leaders as we take steps to fix the growing wildfire insurance crisis across our state. With wildfires making it harder to find insurance, Monterey County residents can be on the front lines of wildfire mitigation that will protect lives and homes," said Commissioner Lara.
Commissioner Lara and the Department of Insurance staff have met with more than 2,000 people at face to face meetings in over 15 counties from Northern to Southern California regarding the growing statewide wildfire insurance crisis. Commissioner Lara has sponsored multiple bills to address wildfire insurance issues including one announced this week, Assembly Bill 2367 (Gonzalez), that will create an insurance guarantee to harden homes and communities against wildfires.