LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: WORKERS' COMP INPUT SOUGHT

To the Editor:

I am urging your involvement in this vital issue to expedite needed changes in workers' compensation, both in rates and in coming legislation of the 1994 session.

On Dec. 2, 1993, in Jefferson City, the Department of Insurance will hold its only rate hearing for workers' compensation projected increases for 1994. Director Jay Angoff has until Jan. 1, 1994, to accept, modify or reject the requested averaged increase in premiums of 23.2 percent by a national insurance industry group.

The hearing is crucial to businesses throughout the state for very good reasons.

1. In 1993, after hearing testimony from hundreds of business leaders, the Department of Insurance reduced the rate from 23.8 to 12.5 percent. This year, the requested increase if 23.2 percent.

2. The Dec. 2 hearing "sets the stage" for how high a priority the governor's office and legislative leadership will put on workers' compensation reform during the 1994 session.

Business input can and does make a difference with the governor, legislators and director of Department of Insurance. Businesses, again, need to let their voices be heard by stating their opinions, in person or by letter, to the Department of Insurance reflecting about:

1. What their rate increases have been during the past three to five years.

2. What the current and projected double-digit rate increases have meant to their business, industry or organization (i.e., laying off of employees, use of temporary workers, decrease of wages, wage increases or benefits to employees, lost contracts, inability to expand physical plant or purchase additional equipment, etc.)

3. Suggestion of problems they see in the workers' compensation system, and what they think Missouri should be doing to resolve the need for double-digit increases in insurance rates each year.

4. Any other concerns they may have for improvements in the entire system.

There are many structural problems that now exist in Missouri's workers' compensation system. The need to address these problems by the governor, legislators and Department of Insurance is very essential or the state will continue to see out-of-control rates. I urge the citizens of the state to become involved in the decision-making of the projected increase by testifying before the hearing on Dec. 2, and/or expressing their concerns in writing now and during the 1994 legislative session.

Letters should be addressed to: Jay Angoff, Director of the Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.

To testify in person on Dec. 2 in Jefferson City, your name can be placed on a speaker's list by calling: Randy McConnell, 314/526-4865. The hearing will be Dec. 2 in Room 492 of the Truman Office Building beginning at 9 a.m.

To have continued input, helpful forms are available in my home office: Rep. Mary Kasten, 1209 Sailer Circle, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701, 314/334-3111.

You may fax (314/751-5123) a copy of your letters of concern now and during the upcoming session to: Rep. Pat Secrest, Policy Development Committee on Workers' Compensation, State Capitol, Room 101A, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101-6806; or, Rep. Mary Kasten, State Capitol, Room 101C, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101.

I urge your continuous input into this vital issue facing the businesses of our state.

Mary Kasten

State Representative

Cape Girardeau