Beshear Urges Congress to Support Expanded Benefits for Those with Black Lung Disease
Beshear said the bill would restore monthly payments and medical coverage for miners as black lung cases in Appalachia reach a 50-year high, officials said.
- On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky's congressional delegation urging them to support the Support Our Miners Act , which would increase black lung benefits for disabled miners.
- Appalachia is experiencing its highest number of black lung cases in nearly 50 years, while inflation has eroded benefits by 30 percent since the Black Lung Benefits Act was first enacted in 1969.
- Single miners currently receive only $794 monthly, though inflation adjustments suggest that figure should exceed $1,200; the Support Our Miners Act aims to restore that intended value with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
- While dozens of local governments from both Republicans and Democrats support the bill, most of Kentucky's federal delegation has remained silent, with Rep. Hal Rogers citing concerns about the trust fund.
- Introduced by Pennsylvania Democrat Rep. Summer Lee, H.R. 9556 has not received a hearing since June 30, yet proponents argue Congress must act to assist disabled coal miners suffering from this incurable condition.
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WKDZ RadioGovernor Beshear Advocating For Changes In Black Lung Benefits
Governor Andy Beshear is urging Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation to support expanded benefits for coal miners affected by black lung disease. Beshear sent a letter Thursday calling for support of the proposed Support Our Miners Act, as Appalachia
Gov. Beshear urges Congress to expand benefits for Black Lung Disease
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation urging them to support expanded benefits for coal miners. Gov. Beshear noted that the proposed Support Our Miners Act would increase benefits to match inflation for the first time. The intention is to better support veteran coal miners suffering from the [...]
Jessamine Journal
Beshear urges Congress to boost black lung benefits for Kentucky miners
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – With Appalachia currently facing a resurgence of black lung disease, Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter on Thursday to Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation, urging them to support […]
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