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Questions
and Answers About Issue 2
Following are answers to some common
questions about State Issue 2. State Issue 2 is harmful to Ohio. Vote
No on Issue 2.
- Will I be affected by the changes in workers'
compensation which will become effective if Issue 2 passes?
A. Yes. Issue 2 will result in significant, harmful,
changes to the Ohio Workers' Compensation system which will affect
every Ohioan who works and suffers a work-related injury.
- Will Issue 2 affect my taxes?
A. No. The workers' compensation system is not
funded by taxes. Reductions in workers' compensation benefits will not
lower taxes.
- Will Issue 2 hurt Ohio's injured workers?
A. Yes. Issue 2 will result in massive limitations
and reductions in workers' compensation benefits. Issue 2 will force
many injured workers to rely on charity and welfare, even though they
were injured due to their employment.
- Who does Issue 2 benefit?
A. Business. Issue 2 cuts workers' compensation
benefits for all injured workers. Issue 2 completely eliminates
workers' compensation benefits for some injured workers. As a result of
this, business interests will save hundreds of millions of dollars per
year.
- Will issue 2 speed up payment of workers'
compensation benefits?
A. No. The time limits for hearings and orders would
not be changed by Issue 2. Issue 2 would eliminate the 40 week waiting
period for applying for payment of permanent partial benefits, but this
change is minor -- and the bill denies the injured worker the right to
present evidence on the issue of permanent partial impairment.
- Does Issue 2 eliminate fraud?
A. No. Fraud legislation was passed in 1993. The BWC
currently spends $9 million a year on fraud investigation, and has a
staff of 130 people investigating fraud. Since 1993, the Bureau has
reported a total savings of $159 million from its fraud detection
program. Issue 2 would permit the Bureau to pursue employer fraud and
medical provider fraud -- but the Bureau can do this without Issue 2.
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