Missouri's House passes a bill that makes occupational diseases covered by workers compensation.
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Missouri's House passes a bill that makes occupational diseases covered by workers compensation.

Date: February 10, 2011
By: Helena Kooi
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Missouri's House votes to allow Missourians who have contracted diseases on the job to collect workers' compensation.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The House passed a bill to expand the benefits of worker's compensation while restricting employees from suing their former employers.

Democratic Representative Kevin McManus opposed the bill.  

Actuality:  MCMANUS1.WAV
Run Time:  00:12
Description: "Under this bill, those with mild conditions like carpal tunnel will recieve their gift, their box in worker's compensation and they'll get payment over time. But if you have a terminal disease, your box, your exclusive remedy, will be empty."
 

McManus says worker's comp works well for those with mild conditions because they have time to collect payments.

He says it doesn't address the needs of those with terminal diseases like Mesothelioma.

Reporting from the state Capital, I'm Helena Kooi.

Intro: 
The Missouri House passed a bill to expand workers' compensation.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The House overwhelmingly adopted the bill allowing Missourians to collect workers' compensation for diseases acquired in the workplace.

Republican Representative Barney Fisher says the bill provides timely relief for individuals suffering from diseases like Mesothelioma and Black Lung.

Actuality:  FISHER1.WAV
Run Time:  00:12
Description: "I think the perception was put out by the opponents of this that once the workers comp system pays, that you're done. That there is nothing else that can be obtained, no more relief, and that's just simply not the case."
 
Fisher says this protects business from lawsuits but still gives workers the option to sue third parties like manufactures or raw material providers.

From Jefferson City, I'm Helena Kooi.