Federal bill aims to secure miners’ retirement benefits

The American Miners Act of 2019, recently introduced in the U.S. Senate, would secure retired miners’ pensions.

The bill would provide three guarantees.

Miners, who are at risk of losing their healthcare because of coal company bankruptcies in 2018, would maintain their healthcare.

The United Mine Workers of America 1974 Pension Plan, which is headed for insolvency by 2022, will remain functional.

The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund tax is extended for 10 years at 55 cents per ton of surface-mined coal and $1.10 per ton of underground-mined coal. The tax supports the Black Lung Disability Trust fund, which provides healthcare and benefits to more than 25,000 miners and their dependents.

“It is our responsibility to keep our promises to the men and women who built our great nation,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who co-sponsored the bill, said. “I won’t stop fighting until we’ve secured the promised pensions and an extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for coal miners and their families. I hope Congressional Republicans will join our mission to address this crucial issue in rural America.”

The bill was also co-sponsored by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mark Warner (D-VA).