Opponents Calling for Transparency in Reform Talks

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefOpponents of a plan to reform California’s workers’ compensation system say many of the reported savings and benefit increases won’t be realized and are asking for the Department of Industrial Relations to release data that supports the proposed changes.The department on Aug. 16 issued a statement saying the reform plan would generate savings of up to $1.3 billion and increase benefits for injured workers by $750 million. DIR Director Christine Baker said during public hearings held in April and again during her May 5 confirmation hearing be...