OCPA Applauds Changes in Workers’ Comp System

Statement from OCPA on passage of administrative system proposal

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 19, 2013) – Brian Bush, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), released the following statement this morning after a state Senate committee passed legislation that would change Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation structure to an administrative system:

“We’re pleased that the conversation around workers’ compensation reform is now centered on moving Oklahoma to an administrative system for processing comp claims. This is an idea OCPA has promoted for nearly two decades, and we’re encouraged about the possibility that the reform could happen soon.

For too long, we’ve acted in Oklahoma as though being one of only two states with an adversarial workers’ compensation system has no connection to the fact that employers here pay some of the highest workers’ comp premiums in America. This is a penalty on entrepreneurs and job creators that prevents our state from reaching its full potential.

Moving to an administrative system for workers’ compensation claims and gradually phasing down Oklahoma’s income tax are the two most important steps our state can take toward being able to boast the best environment in America for growth and opportunity. That state policymakers are working to achieve each should be of great interest to Oklahoma employers and families.”

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