(The Center Square) – Private businesses across Ohio could have another drop in workers’ compensation premiums.
At its monthly meeting Friday morning, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation announced it is considering a 6% cut that could save Ohio employers 60%. The state already boasts one of the lowest premiums in the nation and has cut premiums over the past six years.
The average rate for Ohio’s 257,000 private and public employers is the lowest in more than 60 years, according to the bureau.
“The 6% workers’ compensation premium decrease for private employers that was proposed today by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation would ultimately save Ohio companies approximately $60 million next fiscal year, which would greatly benefit business owners across the state,” Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers said. “The BWC has cut rates in every year of the DeWine Administration, and the Ohio Chamber applauds Gov. DeWine, Administrator Stephanie McCloud and the BWC Board of Directors for continuously working to make Ohio the best place in the nation for business.”
The board is expected to vote on the cut, which would take effect July 1, at its February meeting.
Friday’s news comes on the heels of a National Federation of Independent Businesses report that shows the Business Optimism Index rose 3.4 points in December to 105.1, the second straight month the rating climbed above the 51-year average of 98. It’s also the highest reading since October 2018.
“Optimism among Ohio’s small businesses continues to climb due to the improved economic outlook owners have following the election,” NFIB Ohio State Director Chris Ferruso said. “As the General Assembly considers legislation this session, lawmakers need to keep small businesses in mind and continue passing legislation to further strengthen Main Street.”
The report showed 52% of business owners expect the economy to improve, up 16 percentage points from November, and 22% of owners expect sales volumes to increase – 8 points higher than January 2020.
