We've been hearing from some people who aren't happy about the compromise version of H709, the workers' comp reform bill. Some don't believe the bill does enough to protect the rights of injured workers.

But as I said last week, the bill represents a fair compromise for both sides, and it's a much better outcome for injured workers than had the original version passed. The N.C. House Committee on Insurance is expected to hear the compromise version of the bill on Thursday.

To anyone who is unhappy with the compromise bill, I have one important bit of advice -- Vote!

Voters in North Carolina have no one but themselves to blame for setting up a scenario where a bill as harsh as H709 could have been passed. With the shift in power in the N.C. General Assembly following the 2010 midterm elections, insurance companies saw an opportunity and they pounced on it.

Insurers began lobbying the newly minted Republican majority, believing they could easily pass a bill limiting workers' rights. Without strong opposition from groups like Protect NC Workers and the N.C. Advocates for Justice, it's quite likely this legislation would have passed with little debate or public input.

Voters need to give their support to politicians and candidates who stand up for the rights of hardworking North Carolinians, regardless of political party. During each election season, the N.C. Advocates for Justice examines the platforms of all candidates and endorses those who are committed to protecting those rights. We publish that list every election season, and we suggest that you consider that list as you go to the polls.

One candidate who deserves our support -- and our praise -- is Gov. Bev. Perdue.

Recently, the governor signed Executive Order 93, clearing the way for the extension of federal unemployment insurance benefits to some 47,000 North Carolinians. The governor made a bold political move in signing the executive order, as she explained in a statement:

“For weeks, I have been trying to work with the Republican legislative leaders to get them to do the right thing: send me a clean bill to extend the unemployment benefits for 47,000 North Carolinians who have lost their jobs. But instead of acting responsibly on this matter, the Republican legislature has repeatedly refused to send me such a bill. Instead, they have persistently attempted to use our unemployed workers as hostages by tying the extension of their benefits to my acceptance of budget bills that would inflict severe and unnecessary cuts to our schools and other essential programs."

I encourage you to support candidates like Gov. Bev Perdue with your financial donations and your votes.