Proposal Would Send Rebates To Ohio Businesses

Ohio employers could see $1 billion in cash rebates this summer from the state insurance fund for injured workers. Governor John Kasich says about 210,000 businesses and public employers could see a payout in June or July, should the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation board approve the idea. Checks could range from $5 to more than $3 million. Officials say money for the one-time rebate stems from solid investments by the agency, which provides workers' compensation insurance for Ohio employers and covers approximately two-thirds of the state's workforce. The rebate is separate from a court dispute over employer payments. The state is appealing a judge's March decision awarding $860 million in repayments from the fund to employers the judge says were charged excessive premiums for nearly a decade.