The House and Senate paused tonight to remember former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, who died earlier today.

"We have lost a great public servant," Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton said of Long.

Dalton asked the state Senate for a moment of silence as the session opened, to remember Long's wife and family, reports Lynn Bonner.

Rep. Hugh Holliman, the House majority leader from Lexington, reminded members that Long once served in the state House.

"He was a good servant for the people of North Carolina," Holliman said. "I think we should remember him tonight in any way we can."

Insurance premiums could rise in North Carolina to pay for storm-damaged beaches.

The N.C. Rate Bureau, an insurance company association that recommends insurance rates to the state commissioner, released a proposed increase on homeowners premiums by an average of 19.5 percent.

The rate jump would be higher on the coast, with potential increases of as much as 50 percent in the Outer Banks and 70 percent in coastal counties.

State Rep. Bruce Goforth, an Asheville Democrat who sits on a legislative committee that heard the proposal, objected to the idea that the rest of the state should pay higher insurance to help the owners of beachfront mansions.

"They've got th emoney to pay for the insurance they should be paying," he said.

Officials with the Rate Bureau said the proposed hikeis needed to stabilize the Beach Plan, a government-created insurance program that is the dominant coastal provider. (N&O)