Senate Passes Benefit-Increase Bill

The California state Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 1717, a measure introduced by Senate President Don Perata that would double permanent disability benefits over the next three years.The Senate approved the measure 23-17, according to a press release from the California Applicants' Attorneys Association.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed two similar bills in the past two years, but Perata, an Oakland Democrat, continues to push for passage. Advocates for the benefit increase say a proposed revision to the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule, which is expected to result in an average...