Sen. Michael E. Hastings passes reform to balance workers’ rights and businesses’ needs

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings is working to ensure workers’ rights and Illinois’ business needs are balanced.

Hastings supported House Bill 2525, which consists of provisions negotiated during bipartisan and bicameral working groups over the past year.

“This measure will streamline the state’s workers’ compensation system while keeping valuable protections in place to protect working people,” Hastings said. “We sought to strike a compromise between workers’ rights and keeping Illinois businesses competitive.”

House Bill 2525 includes several provisions regulating insurance companies, including prior review of premium rates and giving the Department of Insurance the ability to declare a rate excessive. These are included to pass more of the savings already achieved by the 2011 workers’ comp reform bill on to employers by reducing premiums.

“The balance between workers and businesses is essential; one cannot thrive without the other,” Hastings said. “This legislation is the result of bipartisan negotiations. We need to work together in the best interest of the people of Illinois.”

Hastings has aimed to pass structural reforms that were requested by Governor Bruce Rauner. Hastings hopes now the governor will work with the General Assembly to pass a budget.

The Illinois Senate Democrats have passed local government consolidation, procurement reform and property tax relief this year to help lead the governor back to the table for budget negotiations to pass a balanced budget.