Gov. Andy Beshear is calling on Kentucky’s congressional delegation to support federal legislation that would increase black lung disability benefits and establish annual cost-of-living adjustments for miners affected by the disease. According to the Governor’s Office, the proposed Support Our Miners Act would adjust benefits for inflation. Beshear said a single miner currently qualifies for $794 per month and argued that the benefit would exceed $1,200 if it had maintained its original value relative to inflation. Beshear also pointed to bipartisan support from local governments across Kentucky. Counties that have passed resolutions calling for increased benefits include Magoffin, Pike, Letcher, Carter, Knox and Laurel, among others. Black lung disease has been rising again among coal miners after decades of decline, with federal records noting increases beginning in the 2000s. Source: Governor Andy Beshear #AppalachiaInsider #EasternKentucky #CoalMiners #BlackLung #Kentucky #Appalachia