JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The former Republican congressman, now running as a Democrat, emphasized his core values and vision for the state.
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“The economy should work for everybody,” Jolly said. He explained that this means the economy must support the lowest wage earners, retirees, and families trying to put food on the table.
Jolly highlighted the state’s growing cost pressures, warning, “We have an affordability crisis in the state of Florida.” He pointed to rising costs in housing, utilities, car insurance, and rents affecting all Floridians regardless of political affiliation or location.
To address natural disaster risks, Jolly proposed a new approach. That would cover major disaster perils that the private insurance market can no longer affordably insure.
“We should create a state catastrophic fund,” he said. “If we can get that to the 30 to $40 billion space, then we can fully cover as a state natural disaster risks.”
This would allow traditional homeowner policies to cover more routine damages and reduce insurance costs by 60 to 70 percent.
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Jolly also discussed funding options for the catastrophic fund, including taxing insurance company profits and reallocating tourist development tax revenues. He stressed the importance of removing partisan politics from the conversation to find practical solutions.
To watch the full interview with Jolly, along with insights from Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico on the city’s budget, tune in to This Week in Jacksonville.