House Resolution 139 created this select committee on October 8, 1985 in order that the Labor Relations Committee might investigate the Workers’ Compensation System. The Select Committee was given the authority to hold hearings and issue subpoenas. Mark Cohen served as Chair and was joined by Fred Belardi, Vice Chairman and Robert E. Belfanti, Jr. as Secretary along with the remaining members of the Labor Relations Committee. According to the report, because workers’ compensation is “what thousands of Pennsylvanians, injured while working, depend upon for means of support during their recovery, it is essential that prompt compensation is received. For far too many, this vital, essential function of government is not working.” (p.1 of Final Report). The report includes historical background of the workers’ compensation problem, complexities of the system and twenty-five proposals. The Republican Members of the Committee also wrote a report which is included in the Final Report.