Congress
Before recessing for Thanksgiving, Congress avoided a government shutdown by agreeing to extend funding for part of the government through January 19, with the remainder funded through February 2. This allows Congress to focus on other priority issues between now and the end of the year.
These issues include: a defense authorization bill; an Administration funding request to support Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and increased border security; continued work on appropriations measures; reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA); and an extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s authorization. In the meantime, there is increasing angst on both sides of the aisle with Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) who continues to block Senate consideration of a long list of Administration military promotions.
Looking ahead, while new House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was able to garner enough votes before the Thanksgiving break to keep the government open, deep divisions within the ranks of House Republicans remain. The House Freedom Caucus, part of the Republican Party’s right flank, continues to wage battles over government spending and the direction of policy. Other more moderate House Republican coalitions and factions are pushing back, making it difficult for the House to agree on almost any policy or spending matter. How successful the new House Speaker is in navigating and negotiating these internal disagreements will largely determine whether Congress is successful in addressing priority issues between now and the end of the year.
Alternative Injury Benefit Plans in Florida?
The 2024 session of the Florida legislature gets underway early in January. ARAWC’s Expansion Committee recently had several positive discussions with legislators about an alternative injury benefit program in Florida. In addition, ARAWC sees growing interest by employers who have been approached about the concept.
ARAWC continues to gather data comparing employer claim costs with Texas injury benefit programs versus that of Florida workers’ compensation. The data collected so far tells a compelling story about the advantages of injury benefit programs to both employers and employees. ARAWC encourages its members and other employers to provide additional data that can help us paint a clear picture of why injury benefit programs are needed in Florida.
We expect the legislature will hold a workshop in December or January to explain injury benefit programs to legislators. ARAWC Expansion Committee Chair Jennifer Hurless will be invited to make that presentation.
ARAWC’s Expansion Committee consists of 20 ARAWC members and staff. We thank our members who participate in the committee. We are encouraged by our progress in Florida and we look forward to the upcoming legislative session.
