State Budget Raids BWC Fund

Undeterred by the united opposition of business groups and labor, the House and Senate conference committee on the state budget bill retained a provision that would raid the budgets of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Industrial Commission, budgets paid for by employer premiums and assessments, not taxes.

The OMA and its business allies have asked the governor to veto the provision stating, “We are very concerned that this language sets a dangerous precedent authorizing the siphoning of funds when budget shortfalls occur. There could also be a legal issue with directing funds to the GRF (General Revenue Fund) that are constitutionally reserved for the treatment of injured workers and the promotion of safer workplaces.” 6/29/2017