Businesses write to lawmakers about harmful workers' comp proposals

(March 7, 2008) More samples of the messages sent to the Labor Committe this week:

“Our costs are already among the highest in the country and increasing them would provide more of an incentive for manufacturers to leave and others that we might add to choose other locations.
— Bruce Dworak, owner, Hobson and Motzer Inc., Durham

“These proposals will substantially increase our costs and administrative burdens in handling workers’ compensation claims, …. If some or any of these measures are adopted, our company may be forced to reduce its workforce, which would be detrimental to our company, and our local and state economies.
— Tony Soegaard, president, Penmar Industries Inc., Norwalk

“Business conditions are very poor and it is a struggle to keep the current employment level. I believe the existing workers’ compensation package, although costly, is fair and no changes should be considered that will increase the cost.
— David Wingfield, owner/principal, C&S Distributors, South Windsor

“The workers’ compensation reforms implemented in the mid-1990s made sense, and we have been pleased with the relative stability of the comp rates. The move now to roll back some of the changes that were made would have a significant impact on our plan to grow our business ... additional burdens or costs will make us even less competitive in the marketplace.
— Jason Howey, vice president, Okay Industries, New Britain

 
“Gemco Manufacturing Co., like many other small-to-midsize manufacturers in this state and across the country, is struggling to compete in a global market. … Connecticut remains one of the most expensive states to do business in, and the last thing we need from Hartford are costly mandates ... that will result in higher premiums and open the door to potential abuse of the system.
— Mark DiVenere, president, Gemco Manufacturing Co. Inc., Southington

 
“Connecticut is already one of the most generous states when it comes to providing injured employees workers’ compensation benefits. To allow additional benefits at the discretion of the Workers’ Compensation commissioner will increase the claims costs for all employers. West Hartford is a self-insured municipality, and our taxpayers are concerned with the rising tax burden .
— Susan Donatelli, Town of West Hartford