Finally, Wash. Legislators Agree on Workers’ Comp Reform

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, House Speaker Frank Chopp, Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt and House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt announced the Legislature finally has come to an agreement on workers’ compensation in the special legislative session. Lawmakers have been stymied for weeks on how to cut costs in the workers’ comp system. The deal is projected to save approximately $900 million over the next four years. As part of the agreement, injured worker age 55 and older would have the option to take claims settlement of periodic payments, until the claim is paid.