Statement by Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift on House Passage of HB 5002
Workers Compensation bill is another power grab by corporate special interests that won't create jobs
Michigan's workers compensation laws were designed to protect workers injured on the job, but HB5002 only hurts those injured workers and gives more political payback to CEOs and corporate special interest groups. This unfair bill is just another partisan power grab by Lansing politicians, and guts protections for injured workers. It was passed yesterday despite hundreds of Michigan workers, including First Responders like police and firefighters that testified about the devastating impact HB5002 would have on our workers compensation system. The bill won't do anything to create jobs, but it will make it far more difficult for injured workers to get back on their feet.
In fact, for the first time ever, HB 5002 would cut benefits for injured workers by subtracting "imaginary wages," regardless of jobs available. It effectively penalizes injured workers because our state politicians have failed to create more jobs. Instead of giving more Holiday handouts to corporate special interests, we need our elected leaders to focus on creating more and better jobs and safer workplaces, rather than attacking people who get hurt on the job through no fault of their own.
Workers compensation is too important for politics as usual. I strongly urge Gov. Snyder to stand up for Michigan workers, not CEOs, and veto this unfair legislation. By working together, we can keep the focus on what's really important to Michigan workers, without reckless attacks that would destroy a critical lifeline for Michigan families.
Proudly serving residents of Saginaw, Flint, Lansing, and Traverse City, Jay Trucks & Associates, PC is an experienced legal firm in Michigan whose lawyers specialize in auto accident injuries, workers’ compensation, and social security disability claims. Call (800) 762-8623 to arrange a free initial consultation.
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