Questions and Answers About Issue 2

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.