BISMARCK - A bipartisan bill that would have returned the state's workers compensation agency to the governor's Cabinet has been drastically amended, angering its prime sponsor.
Senate Bill 2257 now names three state officials as a nominating committee for appointments to the Workforce Safety and Insurance board of directors.
WSI has been independent of elected officials' oversight since 1997, when the Legislature put it in the hands of an independent board, which nominates and names most of its own members.
Most Democrats and some Republicans have criticized that independence, especially after two recent audits criticized agency management in several areas.
Cole works for Forum Communications Co., which owns The Forum. She can be reached at (701) 224-0830 or forumcap@btinet.net
