Benefit Increase Ballot Initiatives Filed in CA

Applications for two ballot initiatives were recently filed by Gnesa K. Duncan with state Attorney General Bill Lockyer to bring the issue of an increase in workers' compensation payments to the voters in November. One is entitled "Fairness to Injured Workers Amendment" and seeks to add article XIV, section 4.5 to the California Constitution and section 4453.1 to the Labor Code, tying temporary disability, permanent disability and death benefits to the state average weekly wage for injuries occurring 1/1/03 and later. This initiative would increase maximum TTD to no less than $651 per week or...