BWC Administrator addresses need for workers’ comp reform with COSE Print E-mail
Administrator urges members to support Governor’s plan, make Ohio’s system more economically competitive

Friday, March 11, 2005

CLEVELAND – Today, James Conrad, administrator and CEO of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) spoke to members of the Council of Small Enterprises (COSE) urging them to support Governor Bob Taft’s proposal to reform workers’ compensation in Ohio.

Administrator Conrad spoke at length about the need to enact a fair and balanced workers’ compensation reform package that would make Ohio more economically competitive. “Ohio is more fortunate than many other states but not immune to the pressures others are coping with at the moment,” he told members. “In order to keep Ohio at the forefront, this package of legislative changes will help deserving injured workers receive their rightful benefits and help keep employer premiums stable. If we do not act now, we may be forced to act in the future by cutting injured worker benefits and raising employer premiums. Let there be no doubt – the time for debate is now.”

In addition, Administrator Conrad also addressed those that question the need for reform. “Some will point to premium reductions and dividends, and argue the system is doing just fine,” Conrad said. “Governor Taft and I would argue there is much more we can improve upon if we are willing and able to seize the opportunity. If we remain content to tout our past successes and postpone debate on necessary system changes, Ohio would be jeopardizing the foundation of stability we've fought so hard to fortify.”

Both the Ohio House of Representatives (H.B. 72) and Senate (S.B. 7) are debating Governor Taft’s proposal on workers’ compensation reform. The companion bills would save Ohio businesses between $120 million and $180 million annually.

“Ohio’s businesses demand a stable, fair system that will encourage, not impede, business development and job growth,” Conrad said. “Likewise, Ohio’s work force rightly expects a system that actively seeks to prevent workplace accidents, but fairly compensates workers should an accident occur. If those are our goals, and I believe they are, then the Governor’s proposal shines a bright light on how we can achieve them together.”

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Media contact: Jeremy Jackson, BWC, (614) 752-7558 or Emily Hicks, (614)728-6197.