Minnesota Agencies

Study the Minnesota workers compensation system.

The commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature not later than December 15, 1978. The report shall recommend any necessary changes in laws in order to improve the system of providing workers' compensation insurance at fair and reasonable rates to employers within the state.

"Beginning September 1, 1977, and ending February 16, 1979, the Study Commission held 40 hearings in which it explored means of alleviating the burden of the cost of workers' compensation insurance to Minnesota employers, while at the same time assuring that employees throughout the state continue to be fairly compensated for job related injuries and returned to gainful employment as quickly as possible. This report contains the major findings of the commission and 57 recommendations which we believe will have a favorable impact in those areas of workers' compensation which have caused the greatest concern to the people of Minnesota during the past few years. We believe that the adoption of these recommendations will assure that the State of Minnesota continues to be a national leader in the workers' compensation field." (Excerpt is from a letter by Steve Keefe, Chairman, Minnesota Workers' Compensation Study Commission at the beginning of their 1979 final report).

For more information on the Commission, please see "A Report to the Minnesota Legislature and Governor: Minnesota Workers' Compensation Study Commission" in the reports section below.

The Commission shall consist of three members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker, three members of the senate appointed by the subcommittee on committees, the commissioner of labor and industry or his designee, the commissioner of insurance or his designee. two citizens appointed by the governor, two representatives of the insurance industry appointed by the governor, two employer representatives appointed by the governor and two labor representatives appointed by the governor.

Members as of 1979: Senator Steve Keefe (Chairman); Senator Roger Laufenburger; Senator Nancy Brataas; Commissioner E.I. Bud Malone, Department of Labor & Industry; Mr. Patrick Newlin (Insurance), St. Paul Companies; Ms. Wendy Borsheim (Employer) Minnesota Retail Federation; Representative Leo Adams; Representative Dick Kaley; Representative Wayne Simoneau; Tom O'Malley, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Insurance Division; Mr. Preston Shepherd (Insurance),
Employers Insurance of Wausau; Mr. Laurence Koll (Employer), Attorney.