Tell Olympia Workers' Comp Can't Wait

Tell Olympia Workers' Comp Can't Wait

Ask your lawmaker for a hearing on HB 2950

Our workers' compensation system needs reform.
An independent audit confirms that despite a 7.6 percent average rate increase in 2010, major part of our system stand a good chance of becoming insolvent in two years. Officials say a 33 percent increase is necessary to break even. Another independent report shows the financing of the system is not sustainable and without controlling costs, major rate increases on employers are likely in 2011 and beyond.

A bipartisan package of common-sense workers' comp reforms has been introduced to control costs without diminishing protection or care for injured workers. House Bill 2950 would lower the cost of the state's industrial insurance system by:

• Authorizing voluntary medical provider networks
• Allowing voluntary settlement agreements
• Changing the definition of occupational diseases to make sure it only covers conditions that are primarily work-related

Defenders of the status quo are determined to stop even these modest reforms and are blocking the bill from receiving a hearing in the House of Representatives this session.  Contact your legislators toll free today at 800.562.6000. Tell them we have a problem with our workers' compensation system and that we have a solution. Now we need a hearing.  If you need help identifying your particular legislators, click here .

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Happy New Year! As we move into 2010, I wanted to share my thoughts with you for the year. The Chamber is here for the benefit of its members. I remember that and want you to know that. Normally, someone would ask you to keep watching and stay up on what is happening. I am going to suggest that is not enough. This is a member organization. We need your participation to give the Chamber a loud voice in Gig Harbor, Pierce County, and Olympia.
We have the Legislative send-off this Friday and we will be aggressively representing your business. Did you know that we already sent letters to L&I opposing the increased tax? We represented your interests during the public meetings about the bridge tolls.
We have some fun things coming up, too. The luncheon, business after hours, and notorious networking night are great for building professional contacts and growing your businesses. Bottom line- we are working for you and with you for a prosperous 2010. Please feel free to contact me or any board member with any comments, concerns, or questions.

Contact your legislators with WashingtonBusinessVotes.com

AWB’s WashingtonBusinessVotes.com is a great new resource that helps you get the information you need to stay informed and provides the tools to make your opinion heard by lawmakers. This site allows employers to find out what legislation is affecting them on a state and national basis and facilitates communication between AWB members and elected officials.

With UI taxes skyrocketing, lawmakers consider piling on more costs

AWB joined the Washington Roundtable and National Federation of Independent Businesses last week in opposing a pair of bills that would increase costs to the state’s already generous unemployment insurance system. HB 2553 and HB 2647, both sponsored by Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma, would expand unemployment benefits to some part-time workers and some workers who voluntarily quit their jobs.

UI taxes are rising dramatically this year for many Washington businesses – as high as 1,300 percent for some – as a result of continued high unemployment. That means it is especially important that lawmakers carefully consider the consequences of adding even more costly benefits to the system, AWB’s Donna Steward told lawmakers. "Both of these measures will lead to an unknown greater payout from the fund, creating more pressure to raise rates to keep the fund solvent, which will only hinder job creation." said Nancy Hiteshue of the Washington Roundtable.

Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch or contact AWB’s Donna Steward for more information.

AWB pushing ahead with urgent workers’ comp reform – contact your representative today!

A bill that would bring badly needed reform to the state’s workers’ compensation system was introduced today in Olympia. HB 2950, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mt. Vernon, and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators, has three main features, all aimed at reducing costs, treating injured workers fairly and eliminating fraud.

A new report by the Washington Research Council said workers’ comp reform is essential to bringing the state into the competitive mainstream and cannot be ignored or postponed. As it is, workers’ comp costs are going up an average 7.6 percent this year and they could skyrocket in 2011 as officials try to keep the system solvent.

But we need your help — union officials have made it clear they oppose reform. Contact your representative today to ask House leadership to make sure this bill is heard. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch or contact AWB’s Kris Tefft for more information.