Originally published February 26, 2011 at 9:01 AM | Page modified February 26, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print
Share
The issue of workers comp looms over Olympia
Lawmakers, business and organized labor are gearing up to take up one of the most contentious issues in the legislative session: Workers compensation.
The Associated Press
Lawmakers, business and organized labor are gearing up to take up one of the most contentious issues in the legislative session: Workers compensation.
State leaders say that workers compensation is at great risk of going bankrupt. Workers compensation is closed-loop insurance system in which businesses pay payroll taxes, and the state invests the money. But the state's accident fund is in the red for $275 million.
Gov. Chris Gregoire says that lawmakers need to reform the system. She proposed limiting one of the biggest expenses of the system, which are lifetime pensions and long-term payments. Gregoire wants the state to have the option of lump sum settlements for some workers over 55.
Organized labor is opposed to the lump sum payment options, rather focusing on more medical care. Business wants to expand the lump sum payment option to workers of all ages.
UPDATE - 09:46 AM
Exxon Mobil wins ruling in Alaska oil spill case
NEW - 7:51 AM
Longview man says he was tortured with hot knife
Longview man says he was tortured with hot knife
Longview mill spills bleach into Columbia River
NEW - 8:00 AM
More extensive TSA searches in Sea-Tac Airport rattle some travelers
Rescue of 13-year-old boy at Wallace Falls
Museum officials discuss King Tut exhibit installation
Kayak surfing
Male song birds
Newly hired Seattle schools superintendent Jose Banda
Inmates work with abandoned felines
May Day raw video: Protesters march along Jackson
May Day raw video: Rally at Marion St. and 2nd Ave
May Day raw video: Police attempt to clear downtown intersection
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
HAVANESE/LHASA MIX
Huge Baby and Kid Garage Sale
MALTESE /SHIH-TZU
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Matt Flynn has good day in Seahawks' 3-way QB competition
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Why dealing for Kellen Winslow makes sense for Seahawks | Steve Kelley
- Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners
- Ex-boyfriend sought in death of Renton girl, 17
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Juror alternates' actions have court on red alert
- Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violent crime
- Opponents of gay-marriage law say they have enough signatures 888
- Mariners look to get back on winning track against Angels 477
- Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area 396
- Typical CEO made $9.6M last year, AP study finds 162
- Fact check: Ad exaggerates Obama's debt 118
- Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violence crime 112
- A worthwhile conversation about charter schools 76
- Brandon League blows save in the ninth...again 68
- May questions, volume seven 65
- Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners 59
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Downtown building fetches $55M, thanks to Amazon effect
- Opponents of gay-marriage law get unexpected aid: from Muslims
- Get a sitter — please — for these 10 great date-night restaurants | All You Can Eat
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Rescued teen tells author how story helped him survive
- Sounders FC salaries released for 2012 season | Sounders FC Blog
- 520 bridge builders pledge to look into beer drinking
News where, when and how you want it
All newsletters Privacy statement