Workers comp lawyer blasts Berg on committee hearing

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A Fargo attorney says House Republican majority leader Rick Berg isn't serious about wanting to fix the state's workers compensation problems.

Mark Schneider says he won't be taking part in a legislative hearing in Bismarck next week on the problems at Workforce Safety and Insurance.

Schneider represents injured workers, and he says Berg has been a prime mover in approving laws that took away benefits for them.

Schneider says Berg has also backed millions of dollars' worth of workers comp rebates to businesses.

Berg couldn't be reached right away for comment on Schneider's letter.

Schneider also says legislative staff lawyer John Bjornson should remove himself from working on W-S-I matters.

John Bjornson is married to W-S-I's general counsel Jodi Bjornson. John Bjornson is the staff lawyer for the Legislature's interim Industry, Business and Labor Committee. Berg is chairman of the committee.

Legislative Council assistant director Jay Buringrud (BURR'-ing-rood) says Bjornson won't be standing down. Buringrud says Bjornson doesn't make policy decisions, and there's no legal conflict of interest.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-27-08 1649CST | save this article / add to your favorites list