Senate rejects workers’ comp changes
SPRINGFIELD — A Republican plan to overhaul the Illinois workers’ compensation system has been rejected by the state Senate.
The key disagreement was over whether workers should be required to prove their injuries are job-related before getting any compensation.
Republicans want that requirement. They say it would protect businesses from fraudulent claims.
Democrats oppose it. They argue businesses would routinely challenge claims and keep workers from collecting legitimate payments.
The measure needed 30 votes to pass but got only 25 Thursday evening. Six people voted “no” and 28 voted “present.”
How suburban lawmakers voted on workers’ compensation reform
Yes
Pamela Althoff, McHenry Republican; Suzi Schmidt, Lake Villa Republican, Kirk Dillard, Hinsdale Republican; Dan Duffy, Lake Barrington Republican; Tom Johnson, West Chicago Republican; Chris Lauzen, Aurora Republican; John Millner, Carol Stream Republican; Matt Murphy, Palatine Republican; Carole Pankau, Roselle Republican; Christine Radogno, Lemont Republican; Ron Sandack, Downers Grove Republican
No
Dan Kotowski, Park Ridge Democrat;
Present
Susan Garrett, Lake Forest Democrat; Don Harmon, Oak Park Democrat; Linda Holmes, Aurora Democrat; Terry Link, Waukegan Democrat; Michael Noland, Elgin Democrat; Arthur Wilhelmi, Joliet Democrat