Bill drops to privatize state's workers' comp system

For years the business community, representing both large and small businesses, has asked that the state-run workers' compensation system either be privatized or that the system should be amended to allow for private sector industrial insurance companies to compete with the state-run system. Washington is only one of four states that do not allow for competition in this area. And given the 7.6% 2010 average rate increase, businesses are looking for some relief.  HB 2879 introduced today, looks to do just that. It aims to . . . READ MORE