Rep. Koehler Praises BWC for Lowering Costs to Local Government

State Representative Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) praised the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors today for approving a reduction in rates for local government employers.

During today’s meeting, the board approved BWC Administrator Steve Buehrer’s proposal to reduce workers’ comp rates by 9 percent, beginning in January 2016. Along with decreases made during the past five years, the BWC has implemented an average decrease to local government rates of 26.5 percent.

“Any time we can reduce the cost associated with operating government, we free up funds needed to provide things like improved roads and services to the citizens of Ohio,” Koehler said. “Local governments are working diligently to be more cost-effective in how they operate. This reduction in premium rates will allow them to serve citizens better.”

“We’re pleased to once again lower rates for nearly 4,000 public employers, saving them nearly $18 million from just last year,” said Buehrer. “Average premiums for Ohio local government employers are at their lowest levels in more than 30 years. I encourage these employers to use some of their savings to invest in safety, which helps protect their workers and further reduce workers’ comp costs in the future.”

About 3,800 cities, counties, townships, villages, schools and special districts are impacted by this decision, according to the BWC. Base rates for each of the 14 classifications associated with the public employer taxing districts program will decrease.