Posted by E.E.D. on October 07, 1998 at 15:16:05:
Here's a section of a newspaper article written by the 2 co-chairs of MLAC, Bob Shiprack and Tim Pope. MLAC, which advises the governor and legislature on worker comp issues is completely controlled by pro-business/insurance co. representatives. There's not a single "injured worker representative" on the board. They say "balanced interests" but their own facts say differently. MLAC exists solely to save employers money & help the state entice new businesses into the state with lower comp premiums."By 1987, we clearly needed reform, but that was no simple task. It required action by the 1987, '91, '93, and '95 legislative sessions, plus a special session in 1990, to create a new framework for the system. This included creation of the Management-Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC) that we chair, to provide a forum for labor and management representatives to studythe system and offer changes that serve the balanced interests of workers and employers. The reforms made Oregon workers’ compensation more efficient and more equitable. We’re now the only state in the nation with eight straight years of premium reductions, saving employers at least $1.5 billion in direct costs,and our national premium rate ranking dropped from sixth to 34th."