March 10, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has reappointed Mitch Steiger and C. Bryan Little to the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) Governing Committee, reinforcing California’s commitment to maintaining fair and balanced workers’ compensation insurance practices. The reappointments aim to strengthen the oversight of premium rates, policy regulations, and worker classifications across the state.
The WCIRB Governing Committee plays a vital role in setting policy, overseeing management, and reviewing premium rates in California’s workers’ compensation system. By appointing representatives from both labor and employer sectors, the committee ensures equitable representation and decision-making.
“Diversity and community input are essential in protecting consumers,” said Commissioner Lara. “I appreciate the insight and perspectives these members bring to overseeing the nation’s largest insurance market.”
Strengthening Oversight of Workers’ Compensation
The WCIRB is a private, non-profit organization licensed by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Its primary responsibility is to analyze and compile workers’ compensation data to ensure accurate and fair premium rates across the state. Every workers’ compensation insurance company in California is legally required to be a member of the WCIRB.
The Governing Committee not only establishes policy and oversight but also influences premium rate adjustments, policy classifications, and coverage standards that directly impact both employers and workers. By reappointing Steiger and Little, the state aims to promote accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the workers’ compensation system.
Meet the Reappointed Members
Mitch Steiger – Organized Labor Representative
Mitch Steiger serves as a Legislative Representative for CFT, A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals, representing over 120,000 education workers across California. He advocates for workplace safety, fair compensation, and employee rights.
Steiger’s extensive experience also includes serving on:
- Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC)
- Cal/OSHA Advisory Committee
- Worker Occupational Safety & Health Training Education Program (WOSHTEP) Advisory Committee
His reappointment as the organized labor representative will continue through April 14, 2027. Steiger remains dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor standards.
C. Bryan Little – Insured Employer Representative
C. Bryan Little is the Senior Director of Policy Advocacy at the California Farm Bureau Federation. He leads legislative and regulatory initiatives to improve agricultural employment, occupational safety, and workers’ compensation compliance for farm employers.
In addition to his role, Little also serves as the:
- Chief Operating Officer of the Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS)
- Board of Directors member for the Agricultural Personnel Management Association
Little’s reappointment as the insured employer representative will continue through April 14, 2027. His expertise in workplace compliance and employer advocacy ensures that California’s agricultural sector remains protected and properly classified within the workers’ compensation system.
Why These Appointments Matter
The reappointment of Steiger and Little reflects California’s commitment to balancing the interests of workers and employers within the workers’ compensation system. Their involvement helps ensure transparency, accurate rate settings, and fair policy development for businesses and employees alike.
The WCIRB Governing Committee significantly impacts:
- Workers’ compensation premium rates
- Policy and regulatory adjustments
- Classification systems for industries
As California continues to navigate workplace safety challenges, having dedicated and knowledgeable representatives is crucial to maintaining equity and efficiency.
Read more details at the California Department of Insurance (CDI) website.
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FAQs: WCIRB Governing Committee
What is the WCIRB Governing Committee?
The WCIRB Governing Committee oversees workers’ compensation insurance data, classifications, and rate-setting to maintain a fair system for California employers and employees.
Why did the California Insurance Commissioner reappoint these members?
The reappointments strengthen the WCIRB Governing Committee by ensuring balanced input from labor and employer representatives, promoting fairness and transparency.
How does the WCIRB Governing Committee impact workers’ compensation rates?
The WCIRB Governing Committee analyzes claims data and industry trends to recommend premium rate adjustments, ensuring accuracy and equity across all sectors.
Who are the members of the WCIRB Governing Committee?
Members include representatives from organized labor, insured employers, and the public, such as Mitch Steiger and C. Bryan Little, both reappointed through 2027.