A ballot initiative in Washington State would open up the state's workers' compensation system to private companies. The current system allows employers to self-insure or buy policies through the state. Proponents of the measure say that it would reduce costs for employers and employees, but opponents say that the only way the insurance industry would cover workers is if they could make a profit, and they ask what will have to change for that to happen. Supporters of the initiative say that it makes clear that the firms would have to meet the legal requirements to sell insurance, and that the measure will be integrated with existing law. The current system has been in place since 1911.
See "Biz, labor battle over Wash. workers' comp measure", Curt Woodward, The Washington Post, October 25, 2010