Workers' Compensation Commission Says No New Funding Request; Asks to Carry IT Funds Forward
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Summary
Scott Beck, chair of the Workers' Compensation Commission, said the commission is not asking for additional funding this year but requested authority to carry forward IT funds and renew three provisos; he noted reduced revenue from fines and an unusually high claims-to-staff ratio.
Scott Beck, chair of the Workers' Compensation Commission, told the Senate subcommittee the commission is not seeking additional state funding in the current cycle and is monitoring revenues closely as it completes ongoing work.
"Bottom line is we are not asking for any additional funding this year," Beck said, adding the commission's current budget includes roughly $6.0 million in general fund allocation and about $5.6 million in earmarked fund authorization, for about $11.6 million in total authorization.
Beck said the commission is seeing a multiyear reduction in fines and fee revenue because of increased electronic filing and process changes, and noted the commission manages a sizable volume of claims with a small staff: "We are operating a $1,000,000,000 industry managing roughly 60,000 new claims a year with 50 people," he said.
Beck asked that available IT funds be carried forward so the commission can complete planned projects and said the commission seeks renewal of three provisos included in the budget booklet. He also noted several currently funded positions are vacant and said he expects a funding request next year once staffing and other uncertainties are resolved.
The subcommittee did not vote on the commission's request during the session and moved to the next agency update.