Quinn Says He Has A Plan For Workers' Comp Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) -- With just a few weeks left in Illinois' legislative session, Gov. Pat Quinn is providing few details on how to accomplish what he calls one of his biggest goals.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports, Republicans and Democrats agree Illinois' Workers' Compensation system needs reform. But they have not yet agreed on a proposal to carry out that reform.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports

Quinn says he has a plan.

"I think that's the best proposal. It can get the majority of votes. We're going to really work hard on that in the coming months," Quinn said.

Quinn says he has introduced his proposal to both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, but did not specify what was wrong with the Senate Republican measure that failed earlier this month.

"It didn't get enough votes, obviously, and you can't, if you try and tilt one way and don't think of other folks, sometimes you don't get enough votes," Quinn said.

Quinn says his proposal will save $500 million a year, sorely needed savings for businesses he says pay more in workers' compensation premiums than corporate income taxes.

The Republican-backed measure would have dissolved the Workers' Compensation Board, and its roughly $130 million budget would have gone to circuit courts, where all compensation cases would be heard.

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