State Beat

In a move applauded by insurance trade groups, California’s governor has vetoed a workers’ compensation reform bill for the third year in a row. The bill failed to adequately balance increased benefits with cost-saving reforms, according to the National Association of Independent Insurers. “We don’t dispute that injured workers need higher benefit levels,” said Sam Sorich, vice president and western regional manager for the NAII. “However, California must balance any benefit adjustments with substantive reforms that address the major problems that are escalating workers’ compensation costs.” “California’s workers’ compensation system is broken and it must be fixed,” said Mark Webb, vice president for state affairs for the American Insurance Association. “