Urgent Workers Compensation Information

From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 7:29 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Urgent Workers Compensation Information

This is more information than I usually send but you have told us that workers compensation cost is a very important issue for you. There are two things really important going on in Sacramento right now you should be aware of. First Senator Perata is looking at revising the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule. This was a major part of the reforms and while it probably does need to be tweaked most people in the business community feel this should not be done until the Permanent Disability benefit study being done by the Division Of Workers Compensation is completed. See below how you can contact the Governor on this important matter.
Second there is a bill AB3026 [Sally Lieber] to exempt local government and local agency public safety officers from all aspects of managed care. This would be a major change from prior reforms. While it only applies to peace officers it will cost significant money for local governments and could be the start of unraveling reforms that have been so effective in lowering your workers compensation cost. See below for how you can give your thoughts on this.
SB Cal has opposed this and we would hope this will be vetoed by the Governor if it hits his desk.