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House passes workers' comp law

March 2, 2005
By: Josh Hinkle
State Capital Bureau

The Missouri House passed new restrictions on the state's workers' compensation law. Josh Hinkle reports from the state Capitol.

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In a 90 to 66, almost exclusively partisan vote, the Missouri House voted to pass its own version of the workers' compensation bill, reducing the number of injuries covered under the law.

Before the vote, opponents like Democratic Representative Terry Young, urged House members to vote no.

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Contents: "Almost embarrassed to be a part of this General Assembly and what we're doing here. We're taking the rights away from the workers and I've talked about all the workers and I will be voting against the bill and like I said, I will be leaving this chamber today with my head held low."

The bill's sponsor, Republican Steve Hunter says this version differs from the Senate version mainly by discarding compromises made in the Senate...and favoring business interests.

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Tighter restrictions might be just around the corner for injured workers in Missouri. Josh Hinkle reports from the state Capitol.

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In an almost exclusively partisan vote, the Missouri House passed its version of a workers compensation bill that could make major reductions in the number of injuries covered under the law.

Republican Represenative Brian Yates says the bill would improve Missouri's business environment.

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Contents: "We need these reforms now. We need to get out employers to stay in Missouri. And we need to get our employers that have moved out of the state back to Missouri and let's send our bordering states a message that we have the environment to attract jobs."

But opponents say this bill is anything but an attraction for the workers that will hold those jobs.

Democrative Representative Sara Lampe says the bill only benefits businesses and insurance companies.

The bill's original sponsor, Senator John Loudon, says lawmakers will have to work out the differenes between the House and Senate versions in a conference committee.

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The Missouri House passed tighter restrictions on the state's workers' compensation law. Josh Hinkle reports from the state Capitol.

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The Missouri House passed its version of a workers' compensation bill that would reduce the number of injuries covered under the law.

Opponents like Democratic Representative John Burnett says the House version doesn't live up to the original Senate compromise of the bill.

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Contents: "Does not pass the straight face test. It is a joke. I believe that everybody in this chamber knows that it is a joke. I believe that everybody in this chamber, even the people that push the green button and vote for the House Committee substitute understand that it is terrible public policy and it will never become law.

The bill's original sponsor, Sen. John Loudon, says lawmakers will have to work out the differences between the two versions in a conference committee.

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