I read an LA Times article which inspired me to write an opinion on our current Governor, Jerry Brown and the powers that sway our broken Workers Compensation system. In a day where politics reign over all of our lives I wanted to take a simple yet deep look into the constant pattern we see within our Workers Compensation community as well as the Political spectrum of the state and our beloved Nation.

We all know that “some” politicians say what they need to say in order to obtain votes for a hopeful term but deeper in the fabric you’ll see that their goal is to extend their shelf life and hopefully leave a positive affect or in our case, leaving a negative affect. These politicians align with the big box companies, collaborate and potentially create reform in which a larger benefit will silver line the parties pockets. You gain trust from the superpowers, create reform that may protect their best interests and in turn you get amazing campaign donations & contributions that will hopefully fund your next term or in Jerry Brown’s case, fund a potential 4th term!

I recall Arnold Schwarzenegger having a similar pattern to his own success but leaving a wake of disruption & change as well. The passage of SB 899 was created and left a ripple affect of change and unhealthy challenges for the injured, the medical and legal services not to mention the ancillary and legal support services that help bind the WC community. In the end of his 2 terms, Insurance/Big Employers – 2  and the citizens of CA – 0
So goes the comparison with Gov. Jerry Brown and the passage of SB 863. He’s protected the Big Employers and paved historical successes for Insurance Companies each fiscal year. We’ve been had by yet another politician who during his first campaign said everything we wanted to hear but came up short on fulfilling his promise to the voters who believed him. (Me being one of them.) Once again Insurance/Big Employers – 3  and the honest hard working citizens of CA – 0 ! 
Do we allow Gov. Jerry Brown to succeed in having the privilege of a 4th Term or do we seek change through another politician’s vision and integrity? I’m not sure we can derail his momentum. As we speak, Gov. Brown is collecting millions of dollars from donors with a stake in decisions he has made and will continue to make as governor. These major stake holders are special interest groups with exactly that, “special interests”! One specific group is the Personal Insurance Federation of California, a group that lobbies for seven major insurance companies. Hmmmmm, I wonder who those major insurance companies are? Overall he has generated $25 million and probably doesn’t even need it considering the amount of power his terms and decisions have bestowed unto him.

So the moral of this small opinion is that these changes made by politically appointed figures appoint predecessors to carry the torch they have created in hopes that it will resonate for a long period of time to come. 
A perpetual pattern of deceit and swayed decision making. Sounds familiar and follows a similar structure within our WC Community.

We stand together even if the odds are stacked against us. We will continue to deliver the consistent support and sound experience in our line of Vocational Rehabilitation services. No matter what changes are laid at our feet we will research, adjust and continue to deliver the best outcomes for your injured clientele. 
Thank you all for believing in us. 

Sincerely, 
Laura M Wilson