Kansas Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed a Republicanmeasure to reduce workers' compensation benefits, citing oppositionfrom veterans and the fact that state benefit levels are theseventh-lowest in the nation.

Under language in the bill, any compensation award would havebeen reduced by the amount of functional impairment from apreexisting injury, or by the percentage of impairment that thepreexisting condition contributed to the work injury–as judged by adoctor.

“Preexisting medical conditions are already factored intobenefits, calling into question the need for this legislation,”said the governor, in her veto message.

The governor is very familiar with the challenges facingworkers' compensation, having previously served as the state'sinsurance regulator as well as president of the NationalAssociation of Insurance Commissioners. She noted that Kansasworkers' comp rates are currently the eighth-lowest in the nation,and said employers have saved nearly $113 million after reformswere passed in 1993, while premiums will decline 2 percent thisyear.

“Veterans have told me they're appalled that the physicalhardships they endured during their military service would be usedagainst them, and I share their concerns,” the governor said.“During a time when we have thousands of Kansans serving overseas,the idea of penalizing them for their military service isoutrageous.”

Gov. Sebelius said she also vetoed the bill because it wouldallow a worker to be terminated simply because of an injury on thejob. “That's a slap in the face to the men and women who work hardevery day to do their jobs in a safe and efficient manner, and it'ssimply wrong,” she added.

The bill was supported by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. It wasopposed by the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, unions, veterans'organizations, teachers, nurses and firefighters.