Quinn Signs Workers' Comp Bill

Economic recovery and jobs remained Gov. Pat Quinn's focus Tuesday as he signed House Bill 1698, Illinois' new workers' compensation package.

During a signing announcement at Navistar in Melrose Park, Quinn called the bill "historic legislation that will save our employers and our businesses of Illinois a great deal of money."

"We've got to get our economy back on track," Quinn said.

The legislation is expected to save state businesses between $500 and $750 million, mostly by cutting fees paid to hospitals and doctors by 30 percent.

The Illinois House voted down the Democrat-championed workers' compensation package last month after the state Senate passed the bill with cheers from Senate President John Cullerton and even Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

House Republicans worried about the legislation's effect on health care providers, who have said the package will force a delay in worker care.

But Quinn likes the sound of businesses saving big money, especially at a time when certain companies are being courted out of state.

"There's no better way to help people than a J-O-B," Quinn said.

Quinn's morning stop at Navistar is the first of three other statewide visits touting the bill signing.

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