It ends employee payroll deduction

As an employee, CPA, and business owner for many years, I endorse the principles of I-1082 to reform workers’ compensation laws and allow competition for insurance.

Having worked in competitive industries all my adult life, I know first-hand that competition breeds improved practices and efficiencies. Where we have no competition in Washington state, workers’ compensation costs have escalated 65 percent since 2000 despite claims decreasing 52 percent since 1990.

As an additional benefit, this initiative eliminates the split funding of workers’ compensation between employer and employee, thus simplifying payroll tax calculations and reducing that cost of doing business, while eliminating the employee’s payroll deduction.

I-1082 proposes to maintain existing employee benefits levels while (as in Nevada and West Virginia where competition was introduced) employee satisfaction with the services they receive will likely increase.

This is truly a win-win opportunity for employers and employees, which is why I am voting for I-1082.

Kent Hendricks

Bothell