Gregoire ready to talk workers comp reform

Today, Gov. Chris Gregoire put workers compensation reform on her 2010 legislative agenda.

Gregoire provided no specifics but signaled a willingness to consider changes in the system in a speech this morning at the Governor's Aerospace Summit in Spokane.

Here is an excerpt of her remarks as written and released by her office. I didn't attend so if the governor went off the script, I'll have to provide an update later.

“Let me say I have heard your concerns about our workers compensation system. I will work with you to improve our system.

“We must remember we can only address the issues in workers compensation if we collaborate. Business, labor and lawmakers will have to find common ground.

“I am committed to finding solutions that truly improve our system, helping workers and employers alike.”

Workers comp is one of the state's thornier political issues. It's always a subject on the short list of concerns raised by the business community including aerospace giant, The Boeing Co.

There was no serious workers comp reform effort undertaken in the 2009 legislative session. But with rates set to climb for businesses next year, it is now on the table.

With today's comments, Gregoire clearly wants Boeing officials to know she realizes workers comp costs are part of the firm's calculations on where it puts a second 787 production line. Washington and South Carolina are viewed as the two primary states under consideration. Boeing could decide a location as early as the end of this month..

As for the rest of the governor's speech, she announced two other steps to aid the aerospace industry.

She wants the Workforce Training and Education Board to “prioritize aerospace programs and identify more resources for them.” Specific details will be released next week, she said.

And she said she will seek extension of a tax credit for FAA-certified repair stations. She said she wants the current credit to last until 2024; it is now set to expire in 2011.