GOVERNOR'S VETO EXPLANATION

Pursuant to § 6 of Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, I am vetoing House Bill 2067.

This legislation will substantially increase the costs of workers' compensation coverage to the businessmen and businesswomen of this Commonwealth and to the Commonwealth itself. It will harm our competitive position and ability to attract new jobs and investment, since relative workers' compensation costs are one of the primary factors affecting a business's decision whether to locate in Virginia or another state, or whether to stay in our state. One need only look to the example of California, from which thousands of businesses and jobs have fled due in part to high workers' compensation costs, to see the effects this bill could produce over time on Virginia's attractiveness for the capital investment that produces new jobs for our citizens and their children.

This bill defines "carpal tunnel syndrome" as a disease, a conclusion over which there is substantial disagreement in the medical community. By so doing, it clearly enhances the possibility of even broader legislation in the future defining other cumulative trauma injuries as "diseases," with potentially huge implications for workers' compensation costs in Virginia. The definition of what constitutes a "disease" is a complicated issue that needs much more study and resolution in a comprehensive -- not piecemeal -- manner.

I am aware that some view this bill as a "compromise." However, a "compromise" reached under the threat of even worse legislation is not a compromise best suited to the interests of the citizens of this Commonwealth.