Political Quotes

“I particularly would like to thank Senator Byrd for the excellent way in which he protected the State of California in this supplemental appropriation. I think it puts us on the road to recovery. It is a major step forward and, in a State with a budget that is deeply troubled, there is no way the State of California, and there is no way the people of the State, could have handled this problem. What the earthquake does point out to me, particularly, is the fact that only 25 percent of the people who own homes had earthquake insurance. When asked why, the reason that came back was, 'Well, the premiums are so high and the deductible is so high, we did not think it was worthwhile for us to get earthquake insurance.' I think what this points out is the real need for Federal legislation, perhaps as an amendment to Senator Inouye's bill, that will provide Federal incentives for private insurance to be provided in a national pool to people in disaster-prone areas.”