Agenda - Council - 04/25/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION g95-04- RESOLUTION RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION ~ WHEREAS, the average cost of workers' compensation in Minnesota is 40 percent higher than in Wisconsin;.and ~ WHEREAS, nearly $100-million is spent by counties ($15.3 miI1ion), cities ($35 million), school districts ($23.9 million) and the State of Minnesota ($24.7 million) for direct workers' compensation. If these counties, cities, school districts were located in Wisconsin, their premiums for workers' compensation could be up to 40 percent less; and WHEREAS, local governments pay these high workers' compensation costs when employing private Minnesota contractors to perform services for their governments and these costs are not included in the $100 million direct workers' compensation costs; and ~ WHEREAS, if Minnesota had workers' compensation reform which would be close to any of the bordering states, there would be less money spent on workers' compensation premiums and mOre money for property tax relief or services; and : WHEREAS, local city and county development agencies find it increasingly difficult to bring good jobs to their community and expand their tax base because of high business costs, including workers' compensation; and :: WHEREAS, local governments need an expanding tax base if they are going to hold down Property tax increases; and ~ WHEREAS, between i991 and 1992, 30 Minnesota manufacturing companies employing t,500 workers moved from Minnesota and all gave the reason for their move, Minnesota's high workers' compensation costs. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: 1) :: That the City of Ramsey is calling upon our legislators and the Governor to pass major workers' compensation reform which will make Minnesota's workers' compensation rates comparable to those of surrounding states. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: and the following voted against the same: and the following abstained: and the following were absent: whergUpon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted by the Ramsey City Council this the 25th day of April, 1995. I I I I I I I