Washington State - Workers' compensation rates will climb by an average of 7.6 percent next year under changes adopted by state officials.
State Labor and Industries Director Judy Schurke says the rate hike will raise about $117 million for the state-run insurance program. Schurke says she wanted to keep the rate as low as possible because of the slow economy. But she says the increase will ensure the state will be able to pay its obligations.
Republican lawmakers have said the rate hike is too high for struggling businesses. They've called for reforms to help keep costs down.