Quote of the day
"You can rest assured that it will be you, the taxpayer, and not the insurance industry that will suffer when an injured worker who is no longer able to work seeks recourse through other taxpayer-funded government programs. Private insurance risk will now become public debt."
Christopher M. Mesh, New York workers' comp lawyer
Go to the full story in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
PMA to Provide Midwest Insurance Companies with California Workers’ Comp Products
Pennsylvania’s PMA Insurance Group announced earlier this week that it is has entered into an agreement with Midwest Insurance Companies in which Midwest will underwrite workers’ compensation policies in California using PMA’s filed workers’ comp forms and rates. The agreement is effective as of today. Workers’ Comp Executive
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Editorial: New York Reform Bill Will Leave Taxpayers on the Hook
A New York workers’ comp attorney argues that a bipartisan-sponsored reform bill that would limit or terminate lost wages for injured workers would leave taxpayers—not insurers—to pick up the tab as workers replace lost wages through other government programs. By Christopher M. Mesh, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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Leading Oregon Business Group Picks Its New President
Oregon’s largest and most politically active general business group, Associated Oregon Industries, taps Jay Clemens, the former head of the Tulsa Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, as its new president. One challenge Clemens will face is the fallout from the loss of a contract that the group had with Saif Corp., Oregon’s leading workers’ comp insurer. By Ted Sickinger, Oregonian
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City Manager Turns Down Raise
As the city roils with unrest between labor unions and city administrators about issues including workers’ compensation and retiree healthcare, Battle Creek, Mich.’s city manager makes a statement by declining a raise recommended by the city commission. By AP via Chicago Tribune
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Allentown P.D. Helps Officers Moonlight
In an about-face from earlier policy, the Allentown, Pa. Police Department administers an extra-duty program for its officers, coordinating the schedules and billing customers, which are often bars or other businesses that sell alcohol. The rate the department charges includes workers’ compensation and Medicare costs. By Dalondo Moultrie, Allentown Morning Call
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Nova Scotia WCB Issues 2007 Rates
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia issues its 2007 comp assessment rates for the 18,000 covered employers in the province: 54 per cent of employers will see their rates decrease in 2007, while 42 per cent will see an increase. Two percent will see a surcharge warning notice that is part of a plan to encourage employers to promote workplace safety. Canadian Press via Canada East
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