By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – State, labor and business officials agreed Tuesday on long awaited workers' compensation reform.
The reform, pending legislative approval, will cut costs for employers while increasing aid to injured workers.
State Senator George Maziarz of Tonawanda, who was a key player in putting this reform package together, said employers will save 10 to 15 percent in workers compensation payments.
"It would change the system enough that there would be a savings, allowing for a lowering of workers compensation rates," Maziarz said. "It's going to lower workers compensation rates in New York for both large and small businesses. Every business should see a decrease in their rates around 15 percent."
Maziarz says both business and labor are supporting the proposed reforms.
The package also includes anti-fraud measures that are expected to save $100 million a year through the prosecution of fraudulent claims.