News Digest 7-25-2019

Quote of the day

“The frequency of workplace injuries has been trending downward, which is a major driver of the rate reductions.”

Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable

La Crosse Tribune

 

 

Wisconsin workers’ comp rates expected to decrease

Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable announced this week that the state’s annual workers’ compensation rates would decrease by about 9 percent starting in October, the fourth straight year rates will have fallen. The reduction is expected to result in a $170 million reduction in annual payments for Wisconsin businesses, which have experienced a decrease in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. La Crosse Tribune

 

How de Blasio’s plan could impact small businesses

Would would New York Mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Bill de Blasio’s “workers’ bill of rights” mean for small businesses? His plan would provide freelancers and gig economy workers some of the same protections as traditional employees. Fox Business

 

Spokane contractor accused of fraud for running business while claiming disability

A 59-year-old Spokane, Washington woman has been charged with allegedly running a construction business while collecting workers’ compensation for a purported back injury. KXLY (Spokane)

 

Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation launches electronic filing system

The Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation has launched a web-based filing system for attorneys, workers, employers, and insurers that will allow the agency to transition from paper filing to electronic filing. Key features include individual user accounts and 24-hour e-filing capability. Oskaloosa Herald

 

Ohio governor signs $645M workers’ compensation budget

Following an extended legislative session, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week signed into law a $645 million workers’ compensation budget that will fund the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for the next two years. The Ohio House had sought to add a provision to make emergency responders eligible to receive workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder even when they did not suffer a physical injury, but the provision did not make it into the final bill. Center Square (Chicago)