Oklahoma governor voices support for workers' compensation overhaul

Fallin said it's time for Oklahoma to move to an administrative system “that will help us reduce the adversarial relationship that we have in our workers' compensation system itself, and I think that will be what will lead to a system that will be fair to the injured workers, fair to the employers and help us create a stronger and more vibrant economy.”

The Republican governor said she supports a measure that Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, unveiled this week. Senate Bill 1062 won committee approval and is awaiting action by the full Senate.

Her position Thursday is a contrast to the findings of a panel she appointed shortly after winning election in 2010; the panel, formed to review the workers' compensation system, did not recommend dismantling it and replacing it with an administrative system.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber officials seemed pleased the governor is backing an administrative system.

“The governor clearly recognizes the challenges Oklahoma businesses face,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Chairman Pete Delaney, chief executive officer of OGE Energy Corp. “Her support of this legislation is critical. Oklahoma businesses don't want part of a solution.”