Brooklyn's Progress
May 2004

Momentum for reform of the NYS Workers’ Comp system is building in Albany.  Again, this year, Brooklyn Chamber Members across the borough cite Workers’ Comp costs as a major obstacle to growth.  In the Chamber’s  2004 Issues Survey, Members ranked Workers’ Comp rates third among the most serious problems that businesses face.

In his role as Chairman of the Chamber Alliance of New York State, Brooklyn Chamber President Kenneth Adams, has met with his counterparts around the state.  He reports that Workers’ Comp – along with other insurance issues – is a major concern of employers statewide.

New York State employers surveyed by The Business Council overwhelmingly say their Workers’ Compensation costs have increased in the last five years, and these costs are limiting employers’ opportunities to grow, hire new workers and sustain other business investments.  In fact, more than a third of respondents to the survey said New York’s Workers’ Compensation costs are encouraging them to consider re-locating their business out of state.  And about one in five respondents said these costs are forcing their businesses to either leave the state or expand elsewhere.  (For more information about the survey and for a complete tally of responses visit http://www.bcnys.org/whatsnew/Map/0416Workers’CompSurveyResults.htm.)

The Brooklyn Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Dan Holt, included Workers’ Comp reform in its lobbying agenda during the organization’s trip to Albany April 19-20.  The Chamber feels strongly that if there is to be a benefit increase this year, it must be accompanied by reforms to the Workers’ Compensation system so that program savings – and not just rate increases – help pay for it.

If you are concerned about Workers’ Comp reform, the Brooklyn Chamber suggest that you write a letter to the Governor and to your elected representatives in Albany.  Let state officials know your concerns about high workers’ compensation costs and the effect they have on your business in Brooklyn.  Click here for sample text to help you draft your letters.