Coal miners head to the Hill, calling for black lung protections and disability benefit improvements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2026
CONTACT
Quenton King, Government Affairs Specialist, (304) 579-7366, [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Next week, coal miners and their families, doctors, attorneys and supporters are traveling to the nation’s capitol to meet with senators and representatives to advocate for improving black lung benefits and protections. They will also participate in a forum on Sept. 30 hosted by Sen. Tim Kaine focused on the black lung epidemic.
Before the forum, the coal miners and their advocates will be holding a day of action, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for legislation to improve black lung disability benefits.
The trip is supported by Appalachian Voices, the National Black Lung Association and Appalachian Citizens Law Center.
Kaine is the sponsor of the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which aims to improve access to disability benefits and increase the benefits stipend.
