Reduce employer costs by addressing workers' compensation issues, unemployment insurance, wage issues and other employer mandates. Several initiatives were advanced in 2007 with respect to union organizing and employment law, and we expect similar proposals in 2008.

Specific to workers' compensation, the system is under scrutiny as costs have increased since 2001 for a variety of reasons including market conditions, lower investment returns and medical costs. Medical costs now represent more than half of all loss costs within the workers' compensation system and are projected to be a major driver of future premium increases.