Quote of the day
"We need a policy that gives us the ability to pay workers compensation premiums in a manner similar to payroll tax, as we use it, on a bi-weekly or quarterly basis. Upfront premiums due or post audit invoices are enormous slugs of cash taken out of our operations. We can't recoup the post audit premium invoices from our past contracts."
Sam Lincoln, operator of Lincoln Farm, in Vermont
Police union demands workers’ comp for Miami Beach cops who got Zika
After a second Miami Beach police officer contracted the Zika virus and the city denied workers’ compensation, the police union is calling for state legislation that covers first responders in such situations. Miami Herald [with video] Go to the Full Story…
Florida: Associated Industries seeks public comment on workers’ comp rates
Associated Industries of Florida moved Tuesday to build public support behind a fix for rising workers’ compensation insurance rates that business interests see as a threat to the state’s economy. The lobby solicited comments from the public “on how Florida can restore a stable, self-executing, and affordable workers’ compensation system as the Florida Legislature intended,” according to a press release. Florida Politics
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Vermont’s forestry industry in crisis
Despite the importance of the forestry industry to Vermont’s economy, fundamental shifts in the market for low-grade wood threaten the survival of many small businesses and the viability of the state’s forests. Additionally, workers’ compensation rates have jumped 38 percent for loggers in 18 months, after steady increases in the past 48 months. The Department of Financial Regulation and insurance companies have not been able to readily provide answers to causes of rate increases, according to Lincoln. Vt Digger
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Austin moves forward with plan for faster building permits
Builders in Austin, Texas long have complained about the city’s notoriously slow permitting process. Now, the city is set to launch a new program that will offer a faster option, but it comes with some costs. The city’s new expedited permit program offers a faster review process in exchange for a fee. Along with the additional charge, developers who take the faster route will have to ensure certain protections for construction workers, like providing safety training, workers compensation and paying a living wage. KUT (Austin)
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