Hoffman: Rauner Veto Of Workers Compensation Reforms Puts Corporate Profits Over Local Employers And Injured Workers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, issued the following statement following Governor Rauner’s recent veto of his workers’ compensation measure that reduces costs for Illinois businesses while protecting the well-being of workers injured on the job:

“I am very disappointed the Governor Bruce Rauner has chosen to fight for huge, corporate insurance companies rather than injured workers and small and medium-sized job creators in Illinois.

“Significant savings were created as a result of the workers compensation reforms that we passed in 2011, however big insurance gamed the system and wrestled all the savings away from Illinois employers. Since the 2011 reforms, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has recommended a decrease in rates for 5 consecutive years, totaling 36.5%. My proposal ensures that those savings would be passed on to local employers, while also further cracking down on fraud and abuse.

“The governor is doubling-down on his approach to slash health-care and benefits for injured workers so that insurance companies can continue to collect record profits. Reducing benefits for injured workers when it is so clear that big insurance is rigging the system and imposing costs on employers is unacceptable.

“Corporate profits should never come before the well-being of the hard-working men and women of Illinois. I encourage my colleagues in the House and Senate to say no to the governor’s corporate welfare agenda and vote to override his misguided veto.”