State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi has issued his own plan for reforming California's workers' compensation system. Garamendi's plan includes simplifying the permanent disability rating system for injured employees and getting benefits to injured employees faster. California lawmakers are currently considering a bill backed by Schwarzenegger and business groups that would cut employers' workers' compensation costs by about $11 billion. This bill is strongly opposed by Democrats and labor advocates.
See "Garamendi Issues Plan for Workers' Comp", Los Angeles Times, February 10, 2004