Oklahoma governor endorses workers' comp overhaul
BY Associated Press
Thursday, February 21, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is endorsing the idea of switching the state's Workers' Compensation Court to an administrative system.
Fallin announced her support of the concept Thursday during a meeting of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. While not endorsing a specific bill, Fallin says she is working with the Legislature "to move us to an administrative system."
While Fallin has said workers' compensation reform is a priority, it was the first time she publicly announced her support for a switch to an administrative system.
The move is a priority for Republican lawmakers, who say workers' compensation insurance premiums are too high. A 260-page bill to make the change passed a Senate committee this week.
Opponents say the plan would dramatically cut benefits to injured workers.
