rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/tell-congress-pass-the-black-lung-benefits-improvement-act?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-tell-congress-pass-the-black-lung-benefits-improvement-act' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Appalachian Voices Action Alerts https://actionnetwork.org/groups/appalachian-voices-updates https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/245/418/normal/black_lung_action_header2b.jpeg Despite the decrease in coal production across the country, coal miners are experiencing higher rates of black lung disease due to the type of mining that is occurring today. Miners are promised health care and a living stipend if they are disabled by black lung disease, but the benefits are difficult to access. Because this process is so difficult for miners and their survivors to complete, many give up along the way, while others never even bother trying. Some miners try for years to have their claim honored, only to pass away before being able to complete the process. Pennsylvania Congressman Matt Cartwright and Senator Bob Casey have introduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act to make this difficult process easier, and to increase the level of support for miners and their families. The bill would also tie benefit levels to inflation. With inflation rising, existing benefits are increasingly falling short, and this adjustment is critical. Tell your representatives to support the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-pass-the-black-lung-benefits-improvement-act