Free Republic

<p>Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, using a carrot-and-stick strategy on lawmakers considering new workers' compensation laws, offered a key compromise Wednesday even as he whipped up public support for a ballot initiative to bypass the Legislature.</p> <p>The governor, during an appearance at a Costco warehouse store in Roseville, opened the door to regulating insurance compensation rates, an issue Democratic leaders believe is essential. It "is definitely something to consider," he said.</p>

<p>ROSEVILLE, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that he's willing to consider state regulation of workers' compensation insurance rates as part of legislation to control the skyrocketing cost of dealing with workplace injuries.</p> <p>"It's definitely something to consider," the Republican governor told reporters. "We have to do everything we can to bring the costs down. We have to bring the costs down or otherwise more and more businesses will leave the state."</p>