This week, those of us in the House and the Senate passed legislation that makes changes to Missouri’s tort and workers’ compensation systems.  These bills now await the Governor’s signature.

Our state has lost jobs, revenue and doctors because of frivolous lawsuits.  The bill we passed and that the Governor has said he will sign will greatly reduce the number of these lawsuits.  Yet, those truly harmed due to a doctor’s negligence are still able to seek compensation for their injuries.  Doctors medical malpractice insurance rates will decrease and the number of insurers that offer coverage will increase.  The steady and dramatic increase in doctor’s malpractice insurance rates has caused many of them to move to neighboring states or limit the types of procedures they perform.  The loss of doctors is especially harmful in rural areas where healthcare providers are in short supply.

The changes we have made to the workers’ compensation system will also benefit Missourians.  Our changes will do this without denying benefits to workers who are actually hurt while on the job.  They also protect employers from being required to pay benefits to those employees who are not actually hurt while performing their job duties, or are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of their injury.  There is further protection for workers by increasing the penalties for employers who do not carry required workers’ compensation insurance.

Through many hours of debate, my colleagues and I have strived to make these systems fair for both parties.  We have made these changes in order it encourage businesses to grow and locate in Missouri, which is the best way to generate more revenue for the state.

That’s my perspective.