Would Simon Pull a Wall Mart “Roll Back” on WC Benefits?
By Robert Warne - September 19, 2002Governor Gray Davis stepped into the work comp ring with Bill Simon and started swinging in his latest ad titled “Roll Back.” The short script hits just the tip of the iceberg of the message Davis wants to convey. After reviewing the short script and supporting citations it is clear where Davis is drawing his political ammo.
On the surface the script portrays Davis as pro-worker and pro-family as demonstrated by the legislation he’s signed.
The announcer in the commercial says, “Davis signed legislation increasing unemployment benefits.”
Aside from unemployment benefits, the supporting citation points out how Davis expanded sick leave, increased disability insurance benefits and created new sick leave allowances.
The citation then touts increased workers’ compensation benefits and cost savings Davis provided by signing AB 749.
As the commercial continues to play, the announced then says, “Simon has said he would roll back that increase.” To the viewer it appears that the only thing Simon is going to roll back is unemployment benefits.
But the citation then specifically hones in on AB 749 and a statement Simon made to the San Francisco Chronicle that he would have “instantly vetoed” the bill. Also a statement Simon made to the Contra Costa Times is used to back up Davis’ claims. In it Simon told the Times that he would, “‘roll back the job killer bills that have been enacted during this administration,’ including the increases in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.”
The commercial looks good and probably feels good to those who it targets. But the real meat of what Davis is trying to say is in the citation and isn’t directly communicated in the 30-second spot. Who knows, maybe before he lays all of his worker cards on the table Davis wants to see where Simon will try to hit him back. | 
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