Sweeping Changes in Workers Comp Legislation in IL Doesn’t Get Green Light

The Illinois House this past Sunday failed to approve sweeping changes to the state's workers' compensation system. The bill got 55 votes, but needed 60 to pass. The surprise shortfall came after the measure passed in the Senate on Saturday.

Published on June 1, 2011

In the House, however, Republicans argued the majority of the $500 million to $700 million a year in savings to businesses should not come on the back of doctors. The bill would have slashed rates to medical providers by 30 percent. The House GOP noted the Illinois State Medical Society would have removed its opposition if fees were cut by 20 percent instead.

House Republican leader Tom Cross warned that the changes will do little to improve the business climate in Illinois, warning lawmakers must do more or face the same problems a few years from now.