Work Comp Board Announces New Max Disability Benefit

​The New York State Workers Compensation Board has announced ​that the maximum disability benefit will increase to $1,145.43 per week. The change applies to workplace injuries occurring on and after July 1, 2023.State Workers Compensation Law requires the board to adjust the maximum disability benefit annually. The maximum is set at two-thirds of the statewide average weekly wage for the prior calendar year. The board said that the New York State Department of Labor has determined that the average in 2022 was $1,718.15.The new maximum benefit is a slight increase from the $1,125.46​ level that currently applies.Source

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Big “I” Legislative Conference Recap

 More than 20 Big I NY members traveled to Washington, DC on April 26-27 for the Big I National Legislative Conference.  They had a total of 13 meetings with members of Congress to discuss federal issues impacting independent agents and their clients including small business tax credits, national prohibition of most non-compete agreements, National Flood Insurance Program and others.  The weather was perfect and many found a bit of time to take in the sights, including a group tour of the Capitol.  Big I NY is the voice of independent agencies in New York!  ​Source

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Albany Update: Photo Inspection Bill Clears Legislature, Excess Lines Bill Advances, SIF Reform Bill Introduced

Big I NY Photo Inspection Reform Bill Clears Legislature:This week, we celebrated a major milestone in our campaign to end mandatory CARCO inspections, with the State Senate passing our photo inspection reform bill by a vote of 55-8. The bill passed the Assembly in March, meaning that final step is for the Governor to sign it into law. The bill next must be “sent" by the Assembly to the Governor, which triggers a ten-day period for her to take executive action. Big I NY is working with the Governor and Assembly to ensure this process happens swiftly. We are optimistic the bill will be signed,…

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