Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

In the near future I will be introducing legislation that will clarify Pennsylvania’s worker compensation coverage of maritime employees.  As the result of court intervention, it is prudent for maritime employers along the Delaware and Allegheny Rivers as well as Lake Erie, to provide dual workers compensation coverage under the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the state Worker’s Compensation Act.
 
This dual coverage dilemma is not unique to Pennsylvania and other Maritime states such as New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Louisiana have passed similar laws as I am proposing which would end the practice of injured workers covered under the Federal Longshore Act also considering filing a claim under state law. This would negate the expense of covering employees under both statutes.
 
This dual coverage for one employer has been estimated at $500,000 which could be used to hire additional employees and to better meet construction and repair deadlines as well as to add additional business which would generate increased revenues for the many subcontractors that rely on and service the Maritime industry.
 
It is obvious that other states along the eastern seaboard and our river systems have taken action to address this situation and the considerable cost saving provided facilities in neighboring states have placed our maritime industry at a competitive disadvantage.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation to keep Pennsylvania’s maritime industry growing and competitive with other states.
 
Thanks in advance for your consideration.