Illinois Senator Linda Holmes says proposed reforms are too costly for workers, maintains that more open discussions are needed to reach final agreement

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) released the following statement regarding her decision not to support Senate Bill 1349, a workers’ compensation reform proposal sponsored by a downstate Republican, at this time:

"Throughout the past few months, I have been adamant about the need to reform our workers’ compensation system in Illinois. As a former small business owner, and after many discussions with business leaders, it’s no secret that the high cost of our workers’ compensation system is one of the major factors driving businesses away from our state. We have to act to bring our system under control and make it more competitive with other states. However, I do not believe that this should be achieved at the expense of hard-working, middle class families.

"In the past, this has been done through an agreed bill process to make sure all interested parties have a voice at crafting meaningful legislation. It’s essential that we bring all sides together on this – business owners, doctors, lawyers, workers, etc. – to find a responsible solution that lowers the cost of doing business. Look at the way education reforms were handled: due to months of honest discussions, an agreement was reached that requires everybody to give a little, but one that everyone can live with. This bill is not one that everyone can live with; we need more negotiations before a final solution is agreed upon.

"It’s important to remember why the workers’ compensation system is needed in Illinois. It was put in place to protect both workers and businesses. It protects the health of hard-working employees and maintains fairness for employers by shielding them from unnecessary lawsuits. In order to implement successful reforms, everybody’s going to have to give a little and the proposal before us today is asking workers to give too much."