The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will hold rate hearings in Tacoma and Spokane concerning the proposed 12 percent workers’ compensation premium rate increase that was announced in November. Average premiums would go up by 6.5 cents per hour worked. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2011, under an emergency rule while L&I continues the process of adopting the permanent rates. In Tacoma, a public hearing will be held on Tues., Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Broadway, Room 407. Written comments may be sent to Ronald Moore, Employer Services Program Manager, Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44140, Olympia, WA 98504-4140. E-mail comments may be sent to Ronald.Moore@Lni.wa.gov. Faxed comments should go to (360) 902-4729. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 4. For more information, visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/News/2010/101108rates.asp .