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.