LETTERS: A PLEA TO CARNAHAN ON WORKERS' COMPENSATION

To the editor:

(The following letter was sent to Gov. Mel Carnahan.)

We are writing in regard to your seemingly closed-minded stance on the workers' compensation issue. It is imperative that something substantial is done to reform this totally out-of-control system. The small businesses in our state are suffering incredible burdens of continually escalating costs that in turn have to be passed along to consumers. Our company has experienced compensation cost increases that have tripled over the past few years. There are limits to the amount of increases that can be absorbed by business or, for that matter, passed on to consumers, one of which, I might mention, is our own state. We cannot understand why anyone would balk at reform on an issue of this magnitude, least of all our leaders sent to run our state on our behalf.

If there would be any way that we could encourage you to take another look at this problem with an open mind and see this antiquated system for what it is, we would do so with much gratitude. This issue needs to be sent out of committee and moved on through the system for meaningful reform. Those measures passed in 1993 were only a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage in the system. There is so much more than can and must be done, with encouragement from you, to reverse the effects of the current system and pass HB495 and SB32. Those states that have already passed corrective legislation have seen significant cost control and economic expansion. Why our elected officials do not see the evidence all around us is mind-boggling. I realize the special-interest groups of lawyers, unions and those who make significant personal gain from the current laws would not want anything to change. The small businesses of Missouri are crying out for help from you and those who are able to make a difference. Will you help us make that difference for all Missourians?

JEANA KOCH, Office Manager

K&K Electric Co.

Cape Girardeau