Lara to testify on California's insurance crisis Wednesday

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will testify before the Assembly's Insurance Committee on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. This will be his first appearance regarding the state's ongoing insurance crisis. Lara missed a previous Senate hearing last week to attend a conference in Bermuda with insurance industry officials. His office confirmed the trip lasted two and a half days after it was first reported by KCRA 3. Michael Soller, a spokesperson for Lara, emphasized that the Commissioner aims to provide Californians with real insurance options. He is working with global reinsurance groups to encourage insurance companies to stay in California and attract new ones. Assemblyman David Tangipa, a former vice chairman of the Insurance Committee, called for a greater sense of urgency regarding the insurance crisis. He expressed concern that many Californians will feel the impact soon. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas removed Tangipa from the committee after his outspoken remarks on the issue. Assemblymember Lisa Calderon will lead the panel that questions Lara on Wednesday. A spokesperson for her office did not comment on the upcoming hearing.