TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill before Congress would make it much harder to sue for medical malpractice, a measure nearly two-thirds of Floridians polled reject.

HR 1215 would pre-empt state malpractice laws and put a $250,000 cap on damages for life shattering injuries such as the loss of fertility, dismemberment, or even being burned over half of one's body.

Miami attorney Julie Braman Kane is president of the American Association for Justice, which commissioned the poll. She says this bill would protect the bad apples of the health care industry.

"Medical professionals who sexually assault patients, including nursing homes that neglect or abuse their residents, or pharmaceutical manufacturers who knowingly market deadly drugs or devices," she stresses.

Supporters of the measure say it would discourage frivolous lawsuits and bring down the costs of medical malpractice insurance. The bill would also limit the patient's attorney fees, which consumer advocates say would make it harder to find representation.

Given Florida's demographics and the fact that the state has a high population of nursing home residents, Braman Kane says the bill threatens to undo many of the protections the state Legislature has put in place.

"We have laws that address the way that problems in nursing homes are handled,” she explains. “And what this would do is completely take away Florida's right to have those laws that it worked hard on and put in place."

The poll, which was conducted in Florida and six other traditionally red states, found widespread opposition to the measure across party lines, age groups and all demographics.

The bill was slated for a vote last week, but was pulled on the same day as the GOP health care proposal. It's expected to be rescheduled in the coming weeks.






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After the calendar flips to December, South Dakota will see the return of colder temperatures during a period of higher natural-gas costs. Fire officials say if you haven't already done so, now is an important time to make sure you have a safe heating source.

At the start of each winter season, home heating safety tips are often provided to prevent a fire.

Brandon Fey, fire inspector for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, said some guidance is commonly known, such as keeping space heaters away from flammable items. But he added you also need to avoid overloaded circuits when powering up these units.

"They'll take either an extension cord or a power strip or a multi-plug, and they'll plug that device inside that power strip," Fey observed. "What happens then is that power strip can't handle the wattage, and then it overloads that power strip, and that power strip fails, and then you have a fire."

Fey explained you should plug portable heaters directly into an outlet. One way to avoid overreliance on secondary sources is to have your main heating system serviced. For those worried about the costs or affording higher heating bills, they can turn to a state program for financial assistance. Help can be found through calling 211 to determine if you're eligible.

Fey emphasized people should completely avoid using an oven to heat their home, because leaving the door open for a long period can lead to a dangerous situation.

"Things can fall inside that oven, the oven can overheat. Things around the oven, like cupboards, are not meant to have that type of heat put onto them," Fey outlined. "They can start on fire. "

For renters who have a landlord unwilling to fix a broken heating system, Fey noted cities such as Sioux Falls have ordinances requiring property owners to maintain mechanical items. Local laws typically offer guidance on how to proceed if the landlord is not following up with needed repairs.

The holiday shopping season is here, and people are being reminded about the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

A recent Global State of Small Business Report, issued by social media company Meta, notes the closure rate for minority-led small firms was 7% higher than other operations. And more than half led by Black owners reported lower sales than the previous year.

Trinity Rush, assistant event coordinator with the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, said there's still an uneven recovery from the pandemic. She said by helping these businesses, they can have stronger communities and inspire others to follow suit.

"When you talk to people, [or] you do business with people as the same background as you," said Rush, "you can have that moment to educate them in the way that can relate, that you can more get in tune with them."

Rush has her own business called Trin-setter, which sells beanies and hats designed to protect a person's hairstyle.

She said her product has cultural significance for the Black community, although it's useful for other customers as well.

Since the racial reckoning, there are calls for consumers and larger companies to be more inclusive in retail and other forms of business.

Rush said stronger support for Black-owned businesses, especially those still struggling, coincides with any progress in making their communities more vibrant, such as better access to health coverage.

She said she hopes shoppers keep this in mind when they're planning their purchases.

"Now would be a time to come back and support them and help them," said Rush, "you know, get back up and running and just, you know, feed their dreams."

Just 2.5% of businesses in the U.S. are Black-owned, even though nearly 13% of the country's population is Black.

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases.

The utility intervenor bill would provide for funding to allow individuals or not-for-profit groups to have a seat at the table when utility companies go before the state's Public Service Commission for a rate increase.

High inflation and rising costs have been prompting rate increases across the U.S.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy prices in October were up 17.6% from the previous year.

Bill Ferris, legislative representative for AARP New York, said increasing rates adds to an ongoing cycle of owed payments by ratepayers.

"The end result of ever-increasing energy rates in New York is people, when they can't pay their bill, are given the opportunities to try and make up what they owe," said Ferris. "But the arrears just pile up, and here in New York, we had and continue to have an arrears crisis where people are terminated from their utility services."

Much of the opposition to the bill has come from utility companies, particularly about the way the bill is written.

Analysis by AARP New York found ratepayers were billed almost $19 million for utility company's representation in these negotiations.

Although the bill has been passed by the Legislature, it's still awaiting the governor's signature.

Currently, people can call the Public Service Commission during rate increases - but Ferris said he feels this provides a more effective way to participate, allowing ratepayers to counter rate increases made by utility companies.

He said he doesn't want high rate hikes being approved without further examination.

"We believe that this legislation becomes law," said Ferris. "Residential ratepayers should have solid representation at the table and hopefully will push down residential rates in the state of New York."

With winter approaching, people will be consuming more energy to heat their homes. A report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association finds families will be paying 17.2% more to heat their homes this winter.

Since rates have been on the rise, Ferris said he hopes people have an even playing field for voicing concerns about rate hikes.