[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      WORKERS COMPENSATION REFORM

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, there is a national campaign in our 
country to weaken the social safety net that has protected our citizens 
for 6 decades. The latest focal point for that campaign is my home 
State of Ohio.
  Last spring, the Ohio State legislature passed, and the Governor 
signed, a very damaging piece of legislation that seriously undermines 
the workers compensation system. Under the guise of workers 
compensation reform, this law would make it very difficult for workers 
to receive compensation for legitimate workplace injuries such as 
carpal tunnel syndrome. It makes a number of extreme changes in workers 
compensation that would block injured workers from receiving medical 
care and benefits. Working families would suffer so that Ohio employers 
can save $200 million per year in payments to injured workers.
  Mr. Speaker, the citizens of Ohio have said enough is enough. More 
that 400,000 voters signed petitions to place Issue 2 on the November 
ballot. Issue 2 would protect the rights and benefits of injured 
workers by overturning this destruction of Ohio's workers compensation 
system.
  This is truly a battle of titans. On the one side is a $10 million 
advertising blitz financed by big business. On the other side is a 
coalition of injured workers, senior citizens, churches, public 
interest organizations, and unions. The entire Nation is watching this 
vote. The rights and benefits of injured workers hang in the balance.

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