Wind-coverage plan likely a washout

The Clarion-Ledger, 9/23/8

Rep. Gene Taylor’s relentless two-year campaign to secure wind coverage as part of the federal flood insurance program is on the verge of failure, a victim of opposition in the Senate, of suspicions about a new government program, and ultimately, of bad timing.

“It looks like there will be an extension of the present program,” said Taylor, a Democrat from the state’s 4th District.

The National Flood Insurance Program expires Sept. 30 unless Congress acts, and lawmakers, anxious to help victims of hurricanes Ike and Gustav, are looking for a simple extension – with no policy changes – while they focus on the $700 billion Wall Street bailout.