Washington State says that the overhaul of its workers' compensation system is already helping to reduce costs for businesses. The state's Department of Labor & Industries said that it would propose an average rate increase of 2.5% fir 2012, and that if it were not for the changes made by the Legislature, it would be looking to increase rates by 10% or more. Business groups say that they are happy with the changes, and hope that the rates stay level. Labor groups opposed the changes, saying that workers will end up taking less than they are entitled to. Officials say that the changes will save around $1.1 billion over the next four years.
See "Workers' comp overhaul keeps business costs down", Mike Baker, Forbes.com, September 20, 2011