In editorials published April 20, The Chicago Tribune and the Belleville News-Democrat took Illinois Senate Democrats to task for voting "present" on critical workers' compensation system reforms.

"Nice to see in the official record that Senate President John Cullerton was 'present' as the state continues to chase away jobs. Congrats to his fellow Chicago Democrat, Sen. Kwame Raoul, for being 'present' when reform that might have helped jump-start Illinois' sluggish economy went down," the Tribune wrote.

The News-Democrat was more blunt, saying local Democrats "took the coward's way out..." and added: "They must believe it will be easier to explain 'present' to the folks back home than 'no.' But how will they explain not providing a meaningful solution to this major problem?"

Both the Tribune and News-Democrat were clear that an essential component to true reform will require the common-sense standard that there must be a clear connection between a workers' injury and the workplace.

The Tribune wrote: "...Illinois very much needs stricter rules for determining that a workers' compensation injury actually occurred on the job."

The Belleville News-Democrat added, "Just remember, the reform will only be meaningful if it makes work the primary cause of a workers' comp injury."

The Tribune also commended Senate Republicans, stating "So far, Republicans have taken the lead in pushing for a bill that will make Illinois genuinely more attractive to job creators" and commended Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno for "standing firm."