Quote of the day
"I didn't want to sit behind the desk and do insurance work or do insurance defense work for a law firm. This job helps get me out in the community and get the firm's name known in the community."
Former Assemblyman and Assembly Insurance Chair Juan Vargas on why he accepted a job with Safeco, despite saying several months ago, that he had no interest in working for the insurance industry. Read the full story in the San Diego Union Tribune.
N.D. Lawmakers Consider Placing W/C Agency Back in Governor’s Hands
North Dakota lawmakers are pondering whether or not the state’s troubled workers’ comp agency, which currently operates as an independent insurance agency, should be brought back under state control. Democrat legislators are asking for the resignation of the director of the Workforce, Safety and Insurance agency after an audit revealed WSI was beset with morale problems. KXMBTV
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Former Maryland Police Officer Charged with Workers’ Comp Fraud
The Maryland Attorney General’s office indicts a former Baltimore police officer and a claims adjuster for allegedly conspiring to steal about $153,000 in fraudulent workers’ comp checks. Investigators allege that the insurance adjuster issued the police officer the checks in exchange for a cut of the proceeds. By Gus G. Sentementes, the Baltimore Sun
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Ohio State Senator Hit with Subpeona Over Premium Rates
Ohio state senator Jeffry Armbruster is subpoenaed by the both the state and legislative inspector general for records related to an investigation that will determine whether political influence was used to lower workers’ comp premiums. Armbruster, who is also a business owner, admits he made requests to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation regarding the workers’ comp rates paid by his firms, but can’t recall how many of the requests were approved or denied. AP via the Chronicle Telegram.
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Financial Strength Rating of Trustmark Insurance Company Affirmed
A.M. Best Company takes various positive rating actions on Trustmark Insurance Company, despite some lingering issues involving a workers’ comp reinsurance pool. Workers’ Comp Executive
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Former Assembly Insurance Chair Takes Gig with the Industry
Consumer groups are outraged that former San Diego Democrat Assemblyman Juan Vargas is taking a position with Safeco Insurance Company as vice president of California external affairs, despite a comment he made to his hometown newspaper not to go to work for the industry after he left office. Vargas chaired the Assembly Insurance Committee where he played a role in the workers’ compensation reforms The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights says this is payback for all the favorable treatment he gave the insurance industry. By Bill Ainsworth, the San Diego Union Tribune.
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Iowa Riverboat Casino Workers Are Seamen: Court
The Iowa Supreme Court rules that river boat casino workers are seamen and are therefore not covered by the workers’ comp system. Three casino employees, including a slot machine attendant and a floor host, all suffered workplace injuries and filed claims with the state Workers’ Compensation Commission. The supreme court ruled that because the employees contributed to the functioning of the vessel that their injuries are covered by a federal program. Newsradio 1040 WHO.
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