JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A group of Democratic lawmakers say a bill that makes changes to the workers compensation system will take Mississippi back into the dark ages.
Lawmakers have approved the bill. House members who spoke at the State Capitol Monday afternoon say injured workers and their families will pay the price.
"There's some mandatory drug testing, no probable cause whatsoever is called for in this legislation when there's an injury. It just simply takes place," said State Representative Bobby Moak, a Democrat from Bogue Chitto.
"You're letting big insurance companies and corporations off the hook and then you turn it around and putting it back on the taxpayers, because if workers compensation does not pay that guy who has been put out of work, Medicaid, Medicare, hospital emergency rooms, the people of the State of Mississippi will have to pay for it", said Representative Robert Johnson, a Democrat from Natchez.
Supporters of Senate Bill 2576 say it will bring balance to a system that has favored injured workers. Democratic leaders say the changes will make it difficult for people who are hurt on the job, or for family members of workers who are killed to receive compensation.
If Governor Phil Bryant signs the bill, it will become law July 1st.
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