More attention to the thread seems in order. The major changes in worker's comp reform occurred under Davis, driven by the anger of the public. Surprisingly, that information was contained in the brief excerpt posted.
Those pesky little details. They disturb a partisan fantasy every time.
"What's more, rates in California, the highest in the nation in 2004, have dropped to 1996 levels and now are lower than those in other big states such as Texas and Florida, the report said. "
Oct. 7, 2003 -- Arnold elected governor.
Schwarzenegger Signs Workers Comp Reform
In 2003, Davis signed a workers' comp reform bill he praised as a "complete overhaul" ... but California's workers' comp costs remained high above the national average.
Schwarzenegger, who had made reform of the state's workers' comp system a top priority during his campaign, called a special session of the legislature to address the matter. He threatened to place a reform bill on the November 2004 ballot if lawmakers refused to support his plans and failed to take action by March 1.
"If modest reform is all that lands on my desk, I am prepared to take my workers' comp solution directly to the people and I will put it on the ballot in November," Schwarzenegger said.
As the March 1 deadline passed without agreement in the legislature, the governor publicly expressed his support for the Committee for Workers' Compensation Reform and Accountability, which was sponsoring an initiative to place the "Workers' Compensation Reform and Accountability Act" on the ballot.
The legislature finally passed legislation to reform the system on April 16.(2004) The governor signed the bill three days later.