PCCJR Hails House Vote to Curb Opioid Addiction and End Dangerous Workers’ Compensation Practices

Legal reform group urges Governor Wolf to sign S.B. 936 into law

(April 17, 2018) The Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) today hailed the state House of Representatives for passing legislation that would improve health outcomes for injured workers, curtail the dangerous practice of profiting off medically unproven, non-FDA approved compound creams and help to prevent opioid addiction.

Senate Bill 936 passed the House yesterday by a vote of 101 to 92.  The bill now moves on to the governor for final approval.

“Members of the House did the right thing – in the name of taking action against the opioid epidemic and pushing back on unscrupulous workers’ compensation law firm practices that are more focused on profits than helping people,” said Curt Schroder, executive director of PCCJR.  “We urge the governor to sign S.B. 936 into law so that Pennsylvania can reverse the course of these dangerous practices and help stem the tide of opioid addiction.”

Schroder said he is concerned that Governor Wolf may veto the bill.  The governor’s opposition has echoed false arguments promoted by plaintiff lawyers and certain pharmacies, both of which have generously supported his re-election campaign.  Before the House vote, it was revealed in a Philadelphia Inquirer news report that the governor’s campaign had received $1.1 million in campaign contributions from a political action committee connected to those perpetuating the same workers’ compensation and pharmaceutical scams that S.B. 936 seeks to address.

“It’s Governor Wolf’s turn to do the right thing and sign S.B. 936 into law,” said Schroder.  “Governor Wolf should set an example by reversing the course of these dangerous practices and help stem the tide of opioid addiction.”

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ABOUT: The Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform is a statewide, nonpartisan alliance of organizations dedicated to bringing fairness to our courts by elevating awareness of civil justice issues and advocating for legal reform in the legislature.

CONTACT: Curt Schroder: 717-461-3577 (phone); curt@pccjr.org

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