Del. Governor Hopes Workers’ Comp Reform Will Influence Chrysler

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Pomp and circumstance ruled the day as Delaware lawmakers began a new session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, with only a smattering of legislative business.

Families and friends packed into the House and Senate chambers as incumbent lawmakers who won re-election in November and seven new House members took their oaths of office.

Republicans and Democrats chose their caucus leaders in both chambers, and the House and Senate adopted operating rules.

A workers compensation reform bill that legislative leaders have pledged to act quickly upon was not introduced Tuesday, but Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said she wants the bill done before the end of the month.

State officials hope that the bill, aimed at bringing down Delaware’s high workers compensation insurance premiums, will be considered favorably by DaimlerChrysler. The company, which is planning a restructuring, is expected to announce next month whether a Chrysler assembly plant in Newark will remain open.

“They’ve said it would be good to get it passed,” said Minner, adding that state officials have not asked whether workers compensation reform would be a make-or-break factor in DaimlerChrysler’s decision.