Ex-lawmaker urges insurance link to housing help

Former state senate minority leader Steve Geller, Democrat of Cooper City, wants to link federal homeowner help to lower insurance premiums in the state. Geller, a Broward County attorney seeking a seat on the county commission next year, said Governor Charlie Crist can use his Republican clout to provide support for a national housing bailout, provided it’s linked to national catastrophe insurance that would lower private premiums in the often hurricane-buffeted state.