By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-994786.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Proposed changes to Michigan's workers compensation law drew more than a hundred workers, union representatives and business lobbyists Tuesday to the state Capitol. Michigan Public Radio's Laura Weber has more.
The proposed changes are being reviewed by a state Senate panel. The legislation would reduce an injured worker's benefits based on the amount an insurance company believes the worker could be earning at another job.
Chris Luty is with the Michigan State Police Troopers Association. He told lawmakers finding a job, especially while injured, is not as easy as some insurance companies would claim.
"What's available out there - what's really available out there - and what's theoretically available out there are often two very different things," he says.
Business groups say the proposed changes would help reduce fraudulent claims from workers and stabilize the workers compensation system for businesses. The Senate panel is expected to continue hearings on the workers comp issue when the Legislature returns next week from a two-week break.