West Virginia workers’ comp overhaul faces uncertain fate
Lawmakers clash over a 225 million short term plan to fund the workers compensation division through June 2006 while pursuing broad reforms. Gov Wise backs the outline but warns passage remains uncertain amid opposition from pro labor and pro business camps. Critics fault secrecy in development and demand more details before a special session.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston-area
Jody Smith
Rabell
Bob Wise
Wise
Senate
Vic Sprouse
Charleston
Randy Swartzmiller
D Hancock
Wheeling
Swartzmiller
Overview of proposed workers' compensation changes
The proposal increases premiums beginning July 1 and then freezes them for two years. It raises Permanent Total Disability threshold from 40 to 50 percent, ends benefits at age 70 with certain exceptions, and removes carpal tunnel from impairment calculations. Temporary Total Disability payments drop to 66.7 percent and max duration falls to two years. The Black Lung Fund removes a 5 percent presumptive award. An intermediate three-member Court of Appeals is created, with stricter limits on appeals to the state Supreme Court and tighter evidence rules. Employers may require employees to select doctors.
Proposals to Expand Medical Benefits and Agency Autonomy
The plan allows employers to include medical benefits in one time payments to injured workers who forgo the workers compensation system. It also shifts the Bureau of Employment Programs to a stand alone agency with an executive director holding ten years of experience and a renewable five year contract, plus authority to hire up to 25 exempt staff.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bureau of Employment Programs
Bluefield Leaders Look to Revitalize City Amid Budget Strains
Bluefield officials warn of a strained budget after word of higher workers compensation costs. City manager Henne outlines plans to cut costs, raise yard waste charges, pursue grants, and launch a downtown technology loop while urging residents to participate in a community forum.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bluefield Merchants and Professionals Association
Henne
Mercer County
Mooney and Osborne honored at SummerFest 2003
The SummerFest award celebrated long time Mercer County residents Eileen and Conrad Mooney and Roberta Osborne for decades of community service. The Mooneys, married 65 years, are Mercer County History Hero recipients and active in First Christian Church and local clubs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Princeton
First Christian Church
Osborne
Mercer County Historical Society
Mercer County
West Virginia
Brushfork Home Makers Club
Church Circle
Bridge Club
Eastern Star
Mooneys
Kenny
Conrad
Eileen
Peery
The
Virginian
Norfolk Western
Roanoke
Chris Shylock
Pam Hawkins
Also Mentioned on This Page
A-1
Black Lung Fund
Intermediate Appeals Board
State Supreme Court
Gram
Bluefield
K.A. Ammar Jr
King Coal Highway
Charles Owens
Cowens
Bottonline
Dinefield Baily Telegraph
Bluefield Ave
Uefield
Cellular
Limktup
700
Motorola
Beckley
Uaepor Re
Ver
OAK Hill Emc
Bude Citens ii
Cellularoneweb.com
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