State Executive Director Bill Herrle released the following statement today in response to the proposed 8.4% cut in Florida workers’ compensation rate, effective Jan. 1:

“In these inflationary times, any reduced costs are very welcome to small business owners. Inflation combined with a tight labor market makes this proposed workers’ comp rate reduction especially welcome. NFIB’s most recent Optimism Index survey shows that 37% of small business owners nationwide consider inflation their single most important problem. Quality of labor is second with 21%. 

“Our hope is that Commissioner David Altmaier approves this rate reduction to provide Florida’s small businesses with the financial relief they need in these difficult times.”