Coal miners have powered the country for generations, but now, deadly black lung disease is on the rise. Thousands of miners are grappling with this debilitating disease caused by inhaling coal and silica dust, and it’s afflicting younger miners than in decades past.

Coal miners with black lung are eligible to receive healthcare and a monthly disability benefit as compensation. But the benefit system is complex and hard to navigate, especially as coal companies fight coal miners tooth and nail during the legal process. The monthly benefit hasn’t kept pace with inflation since it was created over 50 years ago. In fact, the payment is worth 30% less than its original value. That’s because it’s tied to a federal government employee’s salary, which doesn’t rise with inflation each year.

Coal miners with black lung and their families rely on this money to make ends meet, and many miners never get access to the health care benefits or the monthly payment because the system is rigged against them.

These miners contracted black lung because coal companies aren’t doing enough to protect miners while they work. Hardworking miners and their families deserve better!

Tell your lawmakers: Unrig the black lung benefit system NOW and support the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act and Relief for Survivors of Miners Act!