MIAMI -- If you think windstorm insurance premiums are high, you're about to be blown away with what's on the horizon.

This week, the Citizens state pool received permission to raise its rates for 1 million Floridians.

It's just one more sign we need a national catastrophe insurance fund that would spread the risk and the cost of insuring against any natural disaster like hurricanes, tornadoes or ice storms.

Every state is at risk for some type of natural disaster. As Hurricane Katrina showed us, in the end, all Americans pay for a major catastrophe.

For years, federal lawmakers have been talking about it. But this year, thanks to a new Congress and a supportive president, the bill has new life.

Local 10 thinks it can't come soon enough.

That's our take on things. Let us know what you think.