GSI Advocates for Workers Comp Reform Print E-mail

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Greater Spokane Incorporated, the region’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council, continues its work in public policy to advocate for an improved business climate at the local, state, and federal level during this legislative session. Workers’ Compensation is one topic top of mind this year for business owners. GSI and its Board of Trustees have taken an official position to support Workers Compensation Reform, to keep industrial insurance low for all doing business in this region.

GSI, in collaboration with the Association of Washington Business, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and district leaders have been advocating at the state level for reform that will reduce costs to operate a small business in our region, ease the financial burden for companies, and provide a more competitive place to do business.

Advocacy efforts include:

  • Restoring the definition of wage to exclude fringe benefits and by implementing 52-week averaging with a single flat rate of compensation
  • Eliminate duplication and unnecessary delays by allowing self-insured employers to manage their claims
  • Allow employers, employees and Labor & Industries to use final settlement agreements to settle claims
  • Defend the workers’ compensation system from proposals that would increase system costs or inefficiencies
  • Target vocational rehabilitation to workers who can benefit from it
  • Improve internal pension award management practices to increase return to work options over pensions
  • Defend the operation and integrity of the retrospective ratings program.

GSI encourages businesses to contact their elected officials about Workers Compensation in Washington. Businesses can write a letter to legislators regarding this issue.

Click here for a Policy Brief on Workers' Compensation in Washington from the Washington Research Council.