Paterson: Changes In Workers' Comp Help Labor and Employers
By ARI PAUL
Governor Paterson announced Aug. 26 that newly enacted Workers' Compensation reforms would increase payments to workers while reducing insurance costs to employers.

GOVERNOR PATERSON: Changes helped both sides.

In a statement last week, the Governor said that while Workers' Comp payments have increased to $550 per week, employers will see a 5-percent drop in insurance costs in 2009 after an overall 20.5-percent drop in costs in 2008.

'Best and Least-Expensive'

"Last year's historic agreement set the framework for Workers' Compensation reform, but the savings are actually produced through the difficult work of developing and implementing the proposals," Mr. Paterson said. "We will continue to work hard to cut costs for New York businesses and improve benefits for injured workers. We have made progress. Two years ago, New York had one of the most expensive workers compensation programs in the country. Now, we have one of the least expensive. We still need to do more and I am committed to ensuring that this reform program makes New York a better place to do business and a safe and secure place to work."

Both the Business Council of New York State and the state AFL-CIO supported the reforms leading to the insurance cost reduction.

"We are determined to be creative in finding ways to reduce costs for business, while protecting workers," State Insurance Superintendent Eric R. Dinallo said in a statement. "We continue to work jointly with business, labor, insurers and the Legislature on making these reforms real and effective."