“Legislation central to the rally is the “Support our Miners Act” and the “Black Lung Benefits Improvements Act.” Both bills would increase the monthly amount of federal disability benefits afforded to miners diagnosed with black lung disease or, if they die from it, their widows.
Currently, disabled miners are paid about a third of what an entry-level federal worker is paid each month. That rate was established in 1969. The most generous bill would raise the monthly benefit rate to $1,252.50 and allow for adjustments in later years based upon consumer price index estimates.”
Appalachian coal miners ask lawmakers in DC for better disability benefits and worker protections