Black lung is on the rise! Documented cases of black lung have doubled in Appalachia over the past decade; with one in five working miners now affected.
In the midst of this epidemic, the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund is set to have reductions in funding at the end of this year, December 31, 2018. Unless Congress takes action, the funding for medical services and benefits to disabled miners and widows will be diminished.
This petition represents those individuals who want to ensure coal companies pay their fair share to provide benefits for the miners and their families and NOT shift that burden to taxpayers. Furthermore, it encourages legislative officials to support legislation that would result in the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund being funded at the current rate and increased annually to come in line with the cost of living.
