Scherer Helps Pass Reforms to Bring Down Workers’ Compensation Costs

DECATUR, Ill. – Local employers would receive relief from high workers’ compensation costs under two pieces of legislation supported by state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur.

“It’s time to put the needs of both employers and injured workers ahead of insurance company profits,” said Scherer. “I care about the small business owners and entrepreneurs who invest in our communities, and we need to help them while also protecting hard-working families.”

Scherer co-sponsored House Bill 2622, which creates a not-for-profit insurance provider to provide a cost-effective alternative to businesses throughout the state. Additionally, Scherer supported reforms that require for-profit insurance companies to pass savings from workers’ compensation reform on to Illinois employers. House Bill 2525 gives the Department of Insurance authority to review insurance rates before they become effective and reject those it finds excessive.

“While the 2011 reforms to workers’ compensation helped reduced claims and costs, employers in our communities are not seeing significant savings from insurance companies,” said Scherer. “I’m fighting for reforms that bring down costs and force large, out-of-state insurance companies to pass costs savings along to local employers.”