Illinois Gov. Rauner’s Veto of “WC Reform Bills” Sustained by Override Vote

During the veto session yesterday in Springfield, the Governor’s veto of HB 2622 was sustained by a vote of 65-50-1. This bill would have establish a statewide workers compensation insurance company.  Governor Rauner also vetoed a Democratic  sponsored “workers’ compensation reform bill,” HB 2525.  This has not yet been called for a vote to override …

IL Gov. Rauner Makes Arbitrator Appointments

On August 29, 2017, Governor Rauner filed the following Arbitrator appointments or re-appointments with the Secretary of State's Office: Thomas Cieko; Anthony Erbacci; Steven Fruth; Robert Harris; David Kane; Robert Luedke; Michael Nowak; and Ketki Steffen.  

IL Gov. Rauner Vetoes HB 2525

On August 25, 2017, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed in its entirety HB 2525, legislation that addresses the Illinois Workers’ Compensation System. We have previously discussed HB 2525 here, here and here. HB 2525 passed along party line vote in late May. In his statement, Governor Rauner opined that this legislation did not represent real reform …

IL Special Legislative Session and Competing Workers’ Compensation Bills

Governor Bruce Rauner called a 10-day Special Session of the Illinois Legislature. The purpose of the Special Session is to address the on-going budget stalemate. In preparation for the Special Session, Republican Legislators unveiled a package of bills to address multiple issues, including Workers’ Compensation Reform. HB 4068 is the Republicans' compromise bill in response …

The Obstinate Children and the Illinois General Assembly

Having grown up in rural west central Illinois, surrounded by farmers and manufacturing laborers from John Deere and International Harvester, it was instilled in us even as children that we all have duties and responsibilities to make a contribution to our family, our community and the professions we serve.  As kids, these were “chores,” as …

New Appointments to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Governor Rauner has appointed Ms. Deborah Simpson and Ms. L. Elizabeth Coppoletti to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Commissioner Simpson will be assuming the vacancy on Panel C but handling the case load formerly assigned to Commissioner White.  Commissioner Coppoletti will be assuming the vacancy on Panel B but handling the case load formerly assigned to Commissioner Basurto.

Update on Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform

At Inman & Fitzgibbons, our Legislative Watch Group continues to monitor pending legislation in Springfield and, when the opportunity arises, we provide input through the Illinois Chamber’s Workers’ Compensation Committee on language contained within proposed legislation and input on what issues should or need not be addressed in the current efforts to continue reform of …

Illinois General Assembly Revisiting Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform . . . or Is It?

An update from Partner G. Steven Murdock and the I&F Legislative Watch Committee: As the battle of Rauner vs. Madigan continues in Springfield over pension reform and the state budget, one may think that workers’ compensation reform, one of the priorities on Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda, has been lost in the mix.  Well, one would be …

Gov. Bruce Rauner gives his first State of the State

Gov. Bruce Rauner gave his first State of the State address Wednesday, setting the tone for the legislative session.  With a focus on fiscal responsibility, Gov. Rauner used his speech to talk about empowerment (right-to-work) zones, tax reform, pro-business initiatives like workers' compensation reform and civil justice reform, a minimum wage hike, and tax code improvements. …