Quit Stalling on Workers Comp

Bills are sitting in committee in the Kansas legislature that help us —working Kansans— by increasing benefits and clarifying complicated laws. But legislative leaders won’t schedule hearings for these important bills that would provide relief to so many working Kansas families. It’s time for them to quit stalling and FIX WORK COMP!

HB 2937 is an important first step—it restores disability benefits that were slashed by a recent Kansas Supreme Court decision. Bigger changes to work comp are still needed, but disabled Kansas workers cannot afford to wait. That’s why we’re asking you to email and call Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeld on March 13 and urge him to send a lifeline to disabled workers —and a strong message of support to all working Kansans— by passing HB 2937.

To call Speaker Neufeld’s office directly: 785-296-2302 Or if you prefer, call the toll-free Legislative Hotline at 1-800-432-3924. Be sure to leave your message for Speaker Melvin Neufeld.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Quit Stalling on HB 2937--Fix Workers Comp!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Quit stalling on HB 2937. Bring this bill to a vote on the floor.

Kansas workers were done a grave injustice by a Kansas Supreme Court ruling last year.

Severely disabled workers will now receive only a portion of what they would have received in the past.

It is time for the legislature to correct the damage done by the court.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 12, 2008


Background Information

  • A recent decision by the Kansas Supreme Court  effectively eliminated disability benefits to severely injured workers. After decades of neglect, the workers compensation system is in shambles.
  • Injured workers in Kansas receive the lowest benefits in our five-state region. 
  • Still, the Kansas Legislature refuses to address the problem. In fact, the only time Kansas legislators acknowledge the work comp system at all is when the business or insurance lobbyists ask them to CUT worker benefits!
  • Most Kansans —94%— rely on the workers compensation to protect them and their family from financial ruin in case of a workplace accident. It’s long past time the Legislature started mending this important safety net for working Kansans.
  •  Kansas has some of the lowest benefits in the Nation. There is a lack of vocational rehabilitation training. Insurance company-employed doctors and nurse case managers, huge delays, and frivolous defenses to valid claims make the system impossible to navigate. At the same time, insurance companies are enjoying high profits and reaping the benefits while clearly not protecting you, the injured worker.