State Republicans unveil workers compensation reform plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Republican state lawmakers said Tuesday legislation they've filed would increase workers compensation benefits and cut legal costs.<br/><br/>Republicans say workers comp reform

Tuesday, January 25th 2005, 10:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Republican state lawmakers said Tuesday legislation they've filed would increase workers compensation benefits and cut legal costs.

Republicans say workers comp reform will be one of their top priorities when the Legislature convenes on February 7th.

Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett says the high cost of workers compensation in the state is costing the state jobs. He says Oklahoma's workers compensation system is 12th in the nation in costs.

Aside from increasing worker benefits and cutting legal costs, Republicans say their package would reduce medical costs for workers and increase competition for workers compensation insurance

Hiett says the reform plan would help create jobs and increase wages.