Our Workers Compensation system is under attack. On Tuesday, November 10, a destructive and dangerous bill was introduced by Rep. Spiros (R-Marshfield) – AB501 the “Spiros Workers Compensation Destruction Bill” – which would collapse our Workers Compensation system.
The Spiros Workers Compensation Destruction Bill would destroy Wisconsin’s great Workers Compensation system for injured workers and undermine the collaborative Workers Compensation Advisory Council process. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance.
Wisconsin is the birthplace of the Workers Compensation system. We have a model system which ensures that workers injured on the job are treated fairly and consistently, creating stability for employers and employees. Our nationally respected system is guided by the Wisconsin Workers Compensation Advisory Council.
The Workers Compensation Advisory Council is comprised of representatives from labor and management who are experts in our Workers Compensation system. Council members meet regularly to study, vet, and ultimately ensure that recommended changes are good for the entire system: workers, employers, insurers and medical care providers. The Council’s recommended changes are brought to the Legislature as an agreed-upon bill. The Legislature introduces, reviews, and passes the agreed-upon bill because legislators trust that the Council’s members have an excellent understanding of the system and have trust in the Council’s process.
An agreed-upon bill has been reached and should be advanced by the Legislature.
The Council insolates and protects our system and injured workers from partisan politics. Without the Council, our Workers Compensation system would “yo-yo” with each election, bringing instability to the system and harm to workers and employers alike.
The Spiros Workers Compensation Destruction Bill ignores the guidance, input and extensive research done by the Council and stacks the deck against injured workers. If the Spiros Workers Compensation Destruction Bill proceeds through the Legislature, it would set a dangerous precedent and wreak havoc on our Workers Compensation system.
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