We agree with the Tribune Editorial Board that Illinois needs more transparency in insurance pricing (“Are Illinoisans paying more for insurance due to California and Florida disasters? More transparency, please.,” Jan. 29).
As Illinois deals with rapidly increasing auto and homeowners insurance premiums and as the escalating impacts of climate change roil the property insurance industry, transparency is necessary — but insufficient. Illinois residents deserve the accountability that comes from robust rate review.
Illinois is relatively unique in that our Department of Insurance has no authority to modify or reject excessive property and casualty rate hikes. That used to be the case for health insurance rates as well, but over the past two years, thanks to the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker and bipartisan support in the legislature, Illinois has adopted rate review for health insurance plans.
While watchdogging price hikes is important, it’s not the only insurance practice that robust rate review should address. Insurers regularly use rating factors unrelated to risk, such as credit scores, to set prices. This leads to absurd outcomes such as Illinois drivers with drunk driving convictions but excellent credit paying less for insurance than safe drivers with poor credit. Credit scores also distort homeowners insurance pricing.
Climate change’s impact on insurance is not just a problem for places such as California and Florida. As the editorial notes, wind and hail storms accounted for the supermajority of Allstate’s catastrophe losses, according to its most recent annual report. As Illinois experiences more of this type of extreme weather, our regulators must have insight into industry practices and be able to enforce policies to push insurers toward more accurately pricing risk, while also encouraging property owners to take action to mitigate risk.
Illinois law requires that drivers purchase insurance, and banks require insurance to obtain a mortgage. Given these products are essentially mandatory, Illinois can and should do more to ensure basic consumer protections.
— Abraham Scarr, director, Illinois PIRG and Illinois PIRG Education Fund
Greed over our future
Following the hottest year on record was the hottest January. A recently published study shows global temperatures the last 15 years have risen at about twice the rate of the previous 40 years.
For more than 40 years, climate scientists, including those at major oil and gas companies, have predicted global warming from burning fossil fuels would cause more extreme weather. Their predictions have proved to be accurate.
Recent destructive storms and wildfires are just a taste of much worse to come.
Yet the world’s most powerful person, the president of the United States, says climate change is a hoax and urges the country to “drill, baby, drill” as he benefits from large political contributions from fossil fuel interests.
The billionaires behind him led by Elon Musk seem solely concerned with their short-term financial interests.
— Richard Barsanti, Western Springs
Penalizing South Africa
I oppose the recent statements made by President Donald Trump and South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk regarding South Africa and its land expropriation policies. I have visited South Africa, and I feel it is essential to clarify a few points that challenge the narrative these influential figures have presented.
South Africa is a nation rich in culture, diversity and potential. Having experienced its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and resilient people, I can attest to the country’s immense promise and deep national pride. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made remarkable strides in addressing past injustices and fostering national unity.
The land expropriation law, which Trump has criticized without fully grasping its context or purpose, aims to tackle historical inequalities rooted in decades of systemic oppression and disenfranchisement of the majority population. The assertion that South Africa is violating the human rights of white individuals misconstrues the spirit and intent behind restorative justice efforts. This broad condemnation ignores the complexities of a society still healing from apartheid.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assertion that the South African government has not confiscated any land serves as an essential reminder that the conversation surrounding these legislative changes is rooted in broader societal reforms aimed at equity and justice. Trump’s call to cut funding to South Africa reflects the harsh, self-serving economic policies that have characterized his administration.
Moreover, the president’s proposals to reduce funding for global initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS pose a significant threat to public health. HIV is not limited by national borders — it is a global crisis that requires international cooperation and support. Cutting funding endangers decades of progress made in the battle against this disease and places countless lives at risk, in the United States and internationally.
It is disheartening to see influential leaders promoting division rather than understanding. As global citizens, we must foster understanding and help nations in their journeys toward equity and reconciliation. Instead of condemning South Africa’s legislative efforts, we should encourage global dialogue that highlights the importance of addressing historical wrongs. Likewise, we must strongly oppose any reduction of support for global health initiatives and recognize that the fight against HIV/AIDS benefits everyone.
Let us not allow misrepresentation and fear tactics to reshape the narrative about a nation diligently working to build a more equitable future. Remember that elections have consequences — our votes determine whether policies promote compassion, equity and justice or perpetuate division and harm.
— State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, 8th District
Address global poverty
One of the most critical issues of our day is still global poverty, which affects millions of people and fuels instability all over the world. For this reason, I urge U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and others to back the International Affairs budget with significant financing. We can assist in bringing communities out of poverty while advancing global security and economic prosperity by funding initiatives that offer health care, education and economic development.
The International Affairs budget funds essential initiatives that support economic development, health care and education in the world’s most vulnerable areas. These programs interrupt the cycle of poverty by empowering people to create better futures for themselves and their families. Additionally, by expanding our national security, developing diplomatic ties and opening up new markets for American companies, investing in global poverty reduction benefits the United States.
Under the direction of Quigley, Durbin and Duckworth, the United States can maintain its position as a world leader in poverty alleviation and humanitarian assistance. I implore them to prioritize the International Affairs budget and acknowledge its role in building a more secure and prosperous global community.
— Eleanor Vanecko, Chicago
TikTok’s value to youths
Regarding the editorial “TikTok lives on. So does its harmful effect on kids” (Jan. 23): The Tribune Editorial Board supports claims that TikTok is detrimental to youths, but I would like to highlight the fact that TikTok has also been extremely helpful for us.
As the editorial mentions, there tends to be sensitive content that could be considered disturbing to the wrong audience. I agree that there should be more guidelines in place for graphic content; however, bringing light to the very real reality that we live in is extremely important. A guardian’s first instinct is to protect their child, but in my opinion, a guardian shouldn’t want to entirely shield their child from the truth.
TikTok has helped me learn about several crises that I may not have known otherwise. In today’s age, it is a very rare occurrence for youths to turn on the news or read a newspaper. I think we should be open to letting youths receive the knowledge however they see fit.
As far as a mental health decline and doom scrolling go, this occurs on other social media platforms, and we should hold all platforms accountable. It is up to the individual or guardians to set those boundaries.
TikTok has been a creative outlet, income source and safe haven for many. I think that should be taken into consideration when TikTok is discussed.
— Mashantee Jones, Bourbonnais, Illinois
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