West Virginia employers may be getting a little good news for next year, as the National Council on Compensation Insurance has filed a proposed workers’ compensation loss cost decrease of 13.5 percent, to begin Jan. 1.

The change, pitched by the state’s rating and statistical agent, would mean another possible $20 million kept in the coffers of Mountain State employers. In fact, it would mean 21 years in a row of decreases since the state workers’ comp program was privatized. That’s more than half a billion dollars in savings to employers compared with workers’ comp levels before the reform.

With such savings, West Virginia ranks third among states for workers’ comp premiums. Only two states are doing better. Gov. Patrick Morrisey was right to point out “The projected savings on premiums for workers’ compensation insurance helps cut costs for the state’s employers and any companies looking to move or expand into West Virginia.”

It’s worth noting, however, that Ohio and Virginia are not far behind at fifth and eighth, respectively. If their other business climate metrics and the potential quality of life for employees are more appealing, this piece of news is only a small bright spot in a still-cloudy picture for West Virginia.

Pennsylvania is ranked 31st.

Lawmakers, other public officials and, of course, employers and their employees who have taken the steps necessary to improve the law and reduce jobsite risk in the Mountain State are to be commended for their continued success.

It’s time to take that same proactive spirit of getting government out of the way, and improving conditions for employers and workers, to the next level and make a host of other changes that will truly entice those who will help to diversify and expand our state’s economy.