Worker Compensation Benefit Increase

Workers' Compensation Campaign

They ended the legislative session June 23nd and will go back into session in late July or early August.

We Need Your Help Now!

*If you have already contacted your state legislator, please take a
moment to contact them AGAIN.*

We need you to “Get Active” now by contacting your state legislator and telling them to support S.6135B Mendez/A.9736C John, Nolan Abbate.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Workers' Compensation Benefit Increase

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

RE: S6135B/A9736C

Dear Legislator:

It has been twelve years since the legislature increased workers' compensation benefits. The legislature adjourned on June 23rd without addressing Workers' Compensation.

As a union member, and as a constituent, I respectfully urge you to support S.6135B/A.9736C.

The time for a benefit increase is now.

Tell the leadership it is time for a vote on S.6135B/A.9736C

As a point of information, the New York State AFL-CIO has noted that your support of this bill will be key to your labor voting record. I would like to know where you stand on this legislation.

Again, I urge you to support the above mentioned legislation. Please don't leave Albany without fixing this system!

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 09, 2004


Background Information

The State Senate and Assembly introduced matching bills on February 12th that would increase benefits for injured workers in New York State for the first time in twelve years. They have not passed or even voted on the legislation.

Although they have enjoyed cost certainty since 1992, the last time workers' compensation benefits were increased, the business community and the insurance industry are fiercely opposing this legislation.

That is why we need you to GET ACTIVE AGAIN NOW!

The Legislature adjourned Wednesday morning, June 23rd and will be reconvening in late July or early August.

In addition to the long overdue benefit increase, the proposed legislation reflects many of the ideas and concepts put forth and recommended by the New York State AFL-CIO. The bill makes all parties in the system more responsible, rewards good participants and punishes the bad, and instills competition as a motivator for a better delivery of services.

Workers' compensation benefits have not been raised since 1992. That's 12 long years. Much too long for injured workers and their families. How can an injured worker support themselves? How can they feed their families and educate their children on benefits that haven't been raised in more than a decade?

The time for a benefit increase is now!