LANSING, Mich., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced its support for House Bill 5002, legislation which will update, reform and modernize key areas of the Michigan's Workers' Compensation Act ("Act").  

"For too long, the workers' compensation law has changed depending upon what judge hears a case, creating inconsistency, confusion and high insurance premiums for job providers," said Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy & Human Resources for the Michigan Chamber. "This disarray is exactly what plaintiffs and personal injury attorneys desire: higher confusion and higher costs to employers."  

"HB 5002 would put an end to the flip-flopping," added Block. "This legislation is in the best interest of workers and employers alike because it provides increased clarity and certainty to common disputes job providers are often forced to spend thousands of dollars litigating."

HB 5002, introduced by Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford), addresses problems with the Act, which does not reflect nearly 100 years of legal, economic and medical developments.

"These reforms are needed to keep worker's compensation costs affordable and competitive with other states," Block concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce