Lawmakers displeased with snub from Rauner administration official

Posted on July 12, 2015
State Capitol
Lawmakers are upset that the chairwoman of the state’s workers’ compensation commission declined to testify about the report. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Not only did the Rauner administration snub a House committee’s invitation to testify, it missed out on a good story to tell, in the opinion of the committee’s chairman.

State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) wanted the chairwoman of the state’s workers’ compensation commission to discuss a June-issued report with members of the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

Hoffman said the report shows the numbers are going in the right direction.

“Between 2011 and 2015, workers’ compensation insurance advisory rates decreased by more than 18 percent,” he said. “Medical payments per case decreased by 11 percent from 2010 to 2013. Total medical benefits paid decreased by 18 percent from 2011 to 2012 and have been trending lower than the rest of the country since 2010.”

Hoffman expressed his displeasure at the no-show, suggesting the word came from above. State Rep. Rob Martwick (D-Norridge) did as well, saying, “This is one of the pinnacle points of the Turnaround Agenda!”

A letter from the chairwoman said she was too busy to attend the committee’s hearing.

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