Objective 1: Establish a Working Group on the Accessibility of Homeowners' Insurance in Urban Markets
Since the inception of the Massachusetts FAIR Plan, it has come to dominate the market place in various urban territories in Massachusetts. In 1996, the legislature enacted anti-redlining legislation in response to the continued inability of urban residents to obtain homeowners insurance via the private market. In spite of the legislation, which was hoped would provide increased market choice to urban homeowners, the FAIR Plan continues to be the dominant insurer in various urban markets.
The Office of Access and Opportunity will form a Working Group on the Accessibility of Homeowners' Insurance in Urban Markets. The charge to the Working Group will be (1) to review and understand the limitations of the 1996 law and (2) to develop a set of regulatory and/or legislative recommendations to improve urban homeowner access to private market insurance. This effort will commence late January or early February of 2010.
Objective 2: Develop a legislative proposal that encompasses a proactive access and opportunity agenda and that broadens the scope of inclusion of MBE/WBE firms
During the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit, there was concern expressed that setting and working toward MBE and WBE participation does not happen at many public agencies who are the recipients of state funding or assistance. Given that the state dollars are a critical source of funds to non-executive branch agencies, there is a strong desire to see such institutions do a better job of seeking and attaining MBE/WBE participation through their procurement systems.
The Office of Access and Opportunity will develop a legislative proposal to extend MBE and WBE participation goals to public agencies that receive state funding or state assistance.
Objective 3: Utilize membership in National Association of State Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directors to shape federal MBE/WBE and DBE policy
The Assistant Secretary has been part of an effort to establish the National Association of State Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directors (NASMWDD). Additionally, the Assistant Secretary has been elected to the Board of Directors of the NASMWDD, and serves as the organization's Chairman and President. This service provides access to information on how other states develop and implement their policies relative to DBE, MBE and WBE participation.
The Office of Access and Opportunity will use the membership of the Assistant Secretary to help advance and shape federal policies relative to DBE, MBE and WBE firms.