Much of the frustration surrounding the homeowners insurance crisis stems from the fact that with real action, the problem can be solved. With a commitment from the state and federal government, we can restore stability and security for Florida's homeowners.

Unfortunately, ever since Hurricane Andrew, this has not been the case. Despite my objections, the Florida Legislature, the governor and his Cabinet have followed the insurance industry's position that unless we allow them to charge higher premiums and pick and choose policies, they will leave the state. On the federal level, there has been no leadership at all.

Approaching the insurance crisis from the insurance industry's perspective has failed. While insurance companies report billions in profits -- even in the worst years -- they continue to refuse to write new policies. Meanwhile, the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has gone from a temporary fix to the state's largest insurer.

Fixing this problem, while within our reach, requires new thinking. On the state side, it's time we live up to our promise to approach the insurance crisis from the homeowner's perspective. That means real oversight over rate hike requests and cancellations.

Last session, I proposed legislation that would, among other things, establish a loyalty clause to prevent insurance companies from canceling policies on homeowners who have been with an insurer for at least three years. The concept of insurance is to spread the risk. Allowing insurance companies to cherry-pick policies undermines that principle.

On the federal level, above all, we need leadership. While capable of establishing a national catastrophe pool, Congress has done little more than pay lip service to the idea over the past decade. With real leadership, we can make the case that a national catastrophe pool is in the best interest of all states. I look forward to taking the lead on legislation to create a national catastrophe pool.

Additionally, I believe there are some short-term solutions that we can implement to deliver homeowner relief and inspire homeowners to protect and secure their homes.

My proposal, the Federal Homeowners Defense Act, would accomplish these goals through targeted tax relief.

First, we must recognize that skyrocketing insurance premiums have become a barrier to homeownership. We have to do something about this. Just as we allow federal tax deductions for interest on mortgages as well as property taxes, I believe we should also provide a tax credit against a portion of the cost of homeowners insurance. Homeownership is not just the American dream, it is the engine of the American economy.

Second, by encouraging homeowners to better protect their homes, we can reduce much of the damage that results from storms. Steps like installing hurricane shutters or storm-proof windows and securing roof trusses can dramatically reduce the cost of damage from a storm. By allowing homeowners to deduct from their federal income taxes the cost of materials and labor for storm-proofing, we are making a positive investment toward reducing the cost and significance of damage. According to my plan, homeowners who make these investments would receive a deduction on their insurance premium.

Some say that Florida doesn't have an insurance problem but a hurricane problem. This misses the point. The purpose of insurance is to be there to protect us in the event of hurricanes and other catastrophies. Unfortunately, the state and federal governments have allowed the insurance industry to avoid its end of the bargain. By restoring fairness to our insurance market, we can fix our insurance crisis and return security to Florida's homeowners.

State Sen. Ron Klein, a Boca Raton Democrat, is challenging incumbent Republican Clay Shaw for the U.S. House District 22 seat.

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By Ron Klein

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