Southwest Virginia counties pass resolutions supporting black lung benefit increases

Russell County will consider a similar resolution next week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025

CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org 

Southwest Virginia counties pass resolutions supporting black lung benefit increases

CLINTWOOD, Va. — Last night, Dickenson County supervisors passed a resolution urging U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to support legislation increasing black lung benefits.

This comes on the heels of the Wise County Board of Supervisors passing a similar resolution on June
12, at the urging of Appalachian Voices and supported by the National Black Lung Association as well as local and regional chapters. The Russell County Board of Supervisors will be asked to pass a similar resolution at its upcoming meeting on July 7. The Lee County Board of Supervisors is also considering a resolution and is expected to vote on that on July 15.

Appalachian Voices Community Outreach Coordinator Annie Jane Cotten spoke before the Wise, Lee and Dickenson county supervisors, informing them of the importance of supporting the area’s workers  and discussing how federal benefits paid to miners disabled by black lung have failed to keep pace with inflation.

“Our local and regional Black Lung Associations have been working hard to communicate with our elected officials on the state and federal level to receive these necessary adjustments to the black lung benefits program,” Cotten said. “We need your help, as county officials, to urge our congressional leaders to take action.”

The Russell County Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on July 7 at 6 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room at 139 Highland Drive, Lebanon, VA 24266. The Lee County Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on July 15 at 6 p.m. at the Lee County Courthouse in Jonesville, VA.