Illinois lawmakers to debate workers' compensation insurance

Illinois lawmakers are set to debate whether the state should make changes to its workers’ compensation insurance program.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says making workers’ compensation more affordable for businesses is one of his top priorities. He wants to change Illinois law to make it tougher for workers to get money for injuries. He also wants to cut fees paid to some medical providers.

House Speaker Michael Madigan and other Democrats say Rauner’s proposals would hurt working people and their families. Madigan called Tuesday’s meeting of the Illinois House to discuss the issue.

Illinois overhauled its workers’ compensation system in 2011. But the state still ranks seventh in the U.S. for the cost of insurance per $100 of salary.

Some critics say that’s because insurance companies aren’t passing along savings to businesses.