Senate To Vote On Bill That Would Move Workers' Comp Cases To Courts
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- Local courts, and not a state system of arbiters, would handle workers' compensation cases if a bill awaiting state Senate action becomes law.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Dave Dahl reports, the measure would mean that, as of Jan. 1, 2019, approximately 55,000 workers' compensation claims currently before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission would go through the state's courts.
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It passed the state House of Representatives by a 65-48 vote on Friday.
State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) is not a supporter of the bill. He says a move to blow up the system rather than fix it is unconscionable.
"Of all the things that we've done, including the 67 percent tax increase, the highest per-capita debt state in the nation, unemployment rates have run rampant – you all are playing a game, a game with the lives of the citizens of this state, and you should be ashamed of yourselves for it," Brady said.
Some view the bill as a stunt, but it has become a plan B, because lawmakers have failed to pass an actual bill that would reform workers' compensation.
