From Appalachian Voices (http://www.appvoices.org/):
Two years ago, 150 coal miners and their families traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask Congress to pass a 10-year extension of the Black Lung Excise Tax. This small tax — paid by coal companies, not by you and me — funds medical care and disability benefits for thousands of miners with black lung.
Our lawmakers still have not gotten the job done. Since 2018, miners suffering from black lung have fought for a long-term extension of the Black Lung Excise Tax, but Congress has instead passed only a series of one-year extensions.
These miners fight for every breath, but they should not have to fight to ensure funding for the benefits and care that they depend on. We need a permanent extension of the Black Lung Excise Tax.
Dial (855) 980-2358 today to be connected to our senators and tell them to support legislation that will permanently raise and extend the Black Lung Excise Tax on coal companies. Alternatively, call them directly–find contact information:
- Senator Robert Casey: http://casey.senate.gov
- Senator Pat Toomey: http://toomey.senate.gov
Earlier this year, Sen. Bernie Sanders proposed a permanent increase in the Black Lung Excise Tax from $1.10 to $1.38* for each ton of coal that a mining company takes from the ground. This proposal is our best opportunity to secure this vital funding source for black lung care and benefits. To learn more, join us on Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. for a webinar entitled Black Lung: People, Policy, and Power.
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