Ill. Lawmakers Tell Businesses They’re Ready To Move On Workers’ Comp Reform

Businesses that have been clamoring for a redo of the workers compensation system liked much of what they heard from the state's political leaders who say it's also their priority. Chamber of commerce members and independent businesses owners met in Springfield on Tuesday.

Businesses say the workers compensation system is so expensive and abused ... companies don't want to locate in Illinois.

Governor Pat Quinn appears to have gotten the message.

"We've got to take on the need to reform our workers compensation system," Quinn said to applause from the gathering. "We can do it."

Another Democrat, Senate President John Cullerton, called it the most important piece of legislation that can be passed this spring to improve the state's business climate.

"We must act immediately to bring that system under control and make it competitive with that of other states," Cullerton said.

The GOP's General Assembly leaders signaled their support too.

"We need a dramatic overhaul of workers' comp," Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno said.

But Cullerton told the business leaders there's not enough support to pass any plan right now. He said it will take compromise to win approval from powerful interest groups representing trial lawyers, hospitals, unions and businesses. He said that a plan by Governor Quinn to cut costs and professionalize practices is a good first step, noting there is room for compromise on a key dispute ... whether employees should prove injuries were caused by their current job.

Businesses say paying for work-related injuries is too costly.