A broad coalition including consumers, physicians, religious institutions, seniors, patients, homeowners, labor, and others united in a press conference on Tuesday behind an agenda designed to create a healthy insurance market which strengthens protections for patients, homeowners, and drivers while ensuring stability for the industry. The press conference preceded the Texas Sunset Commission's public hearing on the Texas Department of Insurance.

Watch the Press Conference (requires QuickTime Media Player--Download QuickTime Player for free )

The Texas Sunset Commission hearing was designed to gather public input into ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Texas Department of Insurance and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel as part of the Commission's year-long review process that will culminate in one or more bills in the 2009 legislative session.

"When it comes to insurance, we're leading the nation in all the wrong categories. This is the right time to strengthen insurance regulation in Texas, not weaken it. We stand united today in our resolve to make this happen,” said AARP Texas State Director Bob Jackson. “We've talked about the problem far too long. Our citizens are suffering and are having a tough time finding health, home and auto insurance they can afford. We need real insurance reform now."

The coalition includes groups with an interest in various lines of insurance with various constituencies, including consumers, physicians, religious institutions, seniors, patients, homeowners, labor, and others.

The group’s plan involves strengthening TDI’s mission, enacting real rate oversight, and strengthening OPIC.