On behalf of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, I want to affirm our support for the Workforce Safety and Insurance board of directors and its current administration.
Businesses regularly have audits to help improve the way they operate. Audits identify weaknesses and the business then has the opportunity to address them. The recent audit didn't imply that the WSI structure doesn't work. Instead, it pointed out areas that will help the organization serve the state better. We agree with Rep. Frank Wald, R-Dickinson, N.D., chairman of the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, that now is the time to work on those changes recommended in the audit to strengthen WSI.
It is important that North Dakota citizens understand that WSI does not operate on any general fund tax dollars - only with the revenue from employer premiums.
In the 10 years since it changed its structure to being operated by a governing board, WSI's mission of providing workers' compensation for injured employees across North Dakota has been significantly strengthened. It has improved its services to injured workers, implemented a more equitable benefit structure, increased its accountability, and maintained more stable employer premiums.
Today, injured workers are being better treated with fewer delays and reduced costs. Both claimants and employers have indicated greater satisfaction with WSI services through surveys conducted by an independent research group. On a scale of 1 to 5, the injured worker satisfaction rate was 4.38, and the employer satisfaction was 4.21. In addition, constituent requests for assistance to legislators totaled nearly 350 ten years ago, compared to less than 100 last year.
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In this past decade, a$250 million deficit has been turned into a surplus, WSI has returned to state businesses dividend credits that have put nearly $100 million into North Dakota's economy. And, North Dakota businesses pay the lowest premiums in the nation, with the state ranking 26th in the country in benefits paid.
It is for these reasons that our support for WSI remains strong. We expect the board and administration will diligently seek to make WSI stronger as it addresses the findings of the recent audit. But, let's keep in mind how far this agency has come. Reverting to what was "business as usual" 10 years ago should not be considered.
MacIver is president of the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce.
