Workers' compensation settled

There has been a proposal for renovating Washington’s insurance system for injured workers and lower its costs which is yet to be finalised. On Saturday the agreement was in its final stage. The proposal was for reducing the cost by $1.25 billion by the year 2015.

There was a budget agreement between the Democrat-controlled House and Senate.

Lawmakers are on full speed to complete their work by Wednesday because it is the final day of a 30-day special session. Moreover a workers’ compensation agreement perhaps may need to secure the votes for a budget. The budget will cut more than $4 billion in state spending.

Finally after having two days meeting for negotiating in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s office, the declarations about workers’ compensation were in their favour.

Jim Justin, legislative director for the governor said that they are very close to the agreement, while Rep. Cary Condotta, negotiator for House Republicans said that they are within inches.

Business groups were satisfied by Gregoire’s latest package deal which was gaining support.