Beshear Urged Support for Miners Act

Governor Beshear requested that Kentucky's Congressional Delegation back legislation to raise black lung benefits.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Unions

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Should the federal government increase disability benefits for retired miners to keep pace with inflation?

Governor Andy Beshear has formally asked Kentucky's Congressional Delegation to support the Support Our Miners Act. The proposed legislation seeks to restore the value of disability benefits for miners by adjusting payments to account for inflation since 1969.

Why it matters

The value of black lung disability benefits has eroded by 30% over the last several decades, leaving current recipients with inadequate support. Adjusting these payments to match inflation would ensure miners receive financial assistance that reflects modern economic conditions.

The Support Our Miners Act, introduced as House Resolution 9556, would establish annual cost-of-living adjustments for disability benefits. Current benefits are fixed at $794 per month, significantly below the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $1,200.

The players

Andy Beshear

He is the current Governor of Kentucky.

Kentucky Congressional Delegation

This group consists of the state's elected representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress.

The details

The bill aims to modernize the Black Lung Benefits Act, which was originally passed in 1969 to support afflicted workers. Kentucky currently has more active black lung benefit recipients than any other state in the nation, and local governments in Muhlenberg, Ohio, and Webster counties have passed resolutions supporting this increase.

1969: The Black Lung Benefits Act was first enacted.
September 24, 2026: Governor Beshear sent a letter to the Congressional Delegation.

Political Context

The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the fiscal provisions established by the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1969. Critics of such expansions often cite concerns regarding the long-term solvency of federal disability funds and the potential tax implications for industry stakeholders.

For thousands of Kentucky residents currently receiving disability support, this policy shift could result in a significant monthly income increase. The change would directly impact household budgets for families managing the long-term health consequences of mining work.

The takeaway

Legislative efforts to link disability benefits to inflation aim to provide a more stable financial safety net for workers in high-risk industries. Beneficiaries should monitor the progress of House Resolution 9556 to see if future cost-of-living adjustments become part of federal law.