California Emphasizes Comp Costs’ Toll

Workers compensation cost increases borne by Los Angeles since 2000 could have paid one year’s salary for 400 police officers or 429 firefighters. The city saw its costs rise from $99 million to $129 million during the period, according to a report released Tuesday by California State Controller Steve Westly. Likewise, workers comp cost increases incurred by the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 2000 could have funded 25 teachers for one year. The district’s costs rose from $2.5 million to $3.5 million. Sacramento County, which saw its workers comp costs increase from $12.2 million to $17.5 million since 2000, could have spent the money on 34,806 two-hour visits by social workers to foster children in group homes, according to the controller.