SPRINGFIELD – Illinois' workers' compensation costs rank 8th highest in the nation and remain a primary reason why manufacturing companies and good paying jobs are fleeing the state. Since the end of the 2009 recession, Illinois has lost 1,600 manufacturing jobs while our neighboring states have added tens of thousands of new jobs, the Illinois Manufacturing Association said in a statement issued over the weekend.
"This week, House Democrats passed two bills (HB 2525, HB 2622) under the guise of reform. Nothing could be further from the truth," the IMA statement said. "It's window dressing and a political sham designed to deflect from the necessary reforms that are needed to make Illinois more attractive for job creation and capital investment. Further, lawmakers are taking $10 million in employer money from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission to start a new public insurance company that will compete with the private sector at a time when they have not passed a balanced budget with comprehensive budget reforms."
The group said the bill's chief sponsor publicly acknowledged in committee that he refused to make any changes in the last year despite personally participating in more than 100 hours of meetings with all stakeholders.
These House Democrat-sponsored bills will not reduce costs or reform the system to make Illinois competitive. In fact, this legislation further hinders Illinois' workers' compensation by codifying a horrible court ruling into law for the benefit of trial lawyers and labor unions.
The Illinois Manufacturers' Association continues to call on the Governor and lawmakers to enact real and meaningful reforms to our workers' compensation system that include these key components:
- Create a causal standard
- Bring inflated medical costs into line with average states
- Reduce the abuse and high cost of drugs and compounds
- Strengthen use of American Medical Association standards
"It's time to stop the bogus and contrived political games and start making Illinois work again," IMA concluded.
