Quinn Signs Workers Comp Overhaul

By aaroncynic in News on Jun 28, 2011 7:20PM

Governor Quinn signed a new law that overhauls Illinois’ workers compensation today. The Tribune reports Quinn signed the bill in front of workers at a Navistar plant in Melrose Park. Quinn will travel statewide today to talk up the measure, which he estimates will cut at least $500 million from the workers compensation system. In addition, the law also cuts medical rates, adds safeguards to prevent abuses and changes standards for determining disability.

The bill was hotly debated, with businesses complaining of high costs and abuse. On the other side, organizations like the Illinois Medical Association are worried that the bill would force injured workers to wait for longer care, since 30 percent of fees paid to doctors and hospitals will be cut. Quinn said, “We’re going to be helping employers in Illinois, workers in Illinois, all of those who are committed to economic growth…I really think this is making it a 21st century system that’s fair to everyone - to the workers and to the employers.”