Workers' comp changes head to governor

Major changes proposed to Michigan’s workers compensation system are on their way to Governor Rick Snyder for his approval.

The legislation would allow insurance companies to reduce payments to injured workers by the amount the insurer believes they could make at another job.

Opponents say injured workers should be allowed to recover from their injuries before they’re expected to work again.

 “I urge my colleagues to please don’t take injured workers and force them back before they’ve healed, that’s not what the bill was supposed to be about, and it’s certainly not the kind of people we hope to be," said State Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills). "Let injured individuals get the time they need to heal.”

Supporters say the changes would help prevent fraudulent workers’ comp claims. And they say they’ll help stabilize the finances of the workers’ comp system.