CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Earl Ray Tomblin is calling for the passage of the Miners Protection Act before the end of this year, according to a Monday statement.
The governor is encouraging Congress to pass the measure, which is supported by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
Inaction would result in the loss of health care benefits for 12,500 retired coal miners and their families across the nation.
Tomblin said in the statement, “For decades, West Virginia’s coal miners have given tirelessly of themselves to power our nation, lift up our economy and support their families. Today, we stand at an important juncture in the test of our support for them. With health care benefits set to expire by year’s end for thousands of retired miners, I encourage Congress to act swiftly in passing the Miners Protection Act. Here in the Mountain State, we know that a promise made should be a promise kept. I stand with Senator Manchin and Senator Capito in their work to keep a critical promise to our coal miners through passage of this legislation.”
Last week, Manchin, Capito and 20 senators sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House and Senate calling for the passage.
In October, retired miners received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated on Dec. 31.