The state will accept public comment on a proposed 12 percent increase in workers’ compensation premiums through Tuesday.

The new rates will take effect Saturday under an emergency rule while the state Department of Labor & Industries continues the process of adopting the permanent rates.

Up 6.5 cents per hour

Average premiums go up by 6.5 cents per hour worked.

The proposed increase was announced in November.

The state will conduct rate hearings in Tacoma and Spokane at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The hearings will be in Room 407 of the Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Broadway, and at 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane.

Written comments may be sent to Ronald Moore, Employer Services Program Manager, Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44140, Olympia, WA 98504-4140.

Comments

E-mail comments may be sent to Ronald.Moore@Lni.wa.gov.

Faxed comments can be sent to 360-902-4729.

Comments must be received by 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.lni.wa.gov.