Miners Protection Act reintroduced
A group of coal-state senators this week reintroduced the Miners Protection Act, federal legislation that would provide funding to guarantee pension and health-care benefits for retired union coal miners.
The legislation, which would provide $3 billion in funding over 10 years to shore up the United Mine Workers pension plan and fund miner’s health benefits, was introduced last year but failed to pass.
Instead, Congress in a last-minute continuing resolution provided money to extend funding for retired miners’ health benefits only through April. Health benefits for 12,500 retired miners were set to expire at the end of last year.
“These coal miners and their families have done their jobs for our nation, now it’s time for Congress to do its job and protect their pensions and health care,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who co-sponsored the bill.
The legislation would ensure the federal government and coal operators honor their obligation of lifetime pensions and health benefits to retired miners facing uncertainty as a result of the financial crisis and corporate bankruptcies, he said.
The legislation would use excess money in the Abandoned Mine Lands fund to shore up the union pension plan, which was almost fully funded prior to the 2008 recession but now faces insolvency. The plan provides pensions to about 90,000 pensioners and covers future claims for an additional 16,000 miners.
The bill also would preserve the health benefits of retired miners who worked for now-bankrupt coal companies, including those at the former Alpha Natural Resources’ Emerald Mine whose health benefits will expire this summer.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., another bill sponsor, said though he was disappointed the Senate passed only a short-term fix last session, he was encouraged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who blocked the bill’s passage last year, has committed to securing a permanent fix.
“I have also received assurances from President Trump and Vice President Pence that they would work with me on securing a permanent health-care solution for miners. That is why reintroducing the Miners Protection Act in the new Congress is so important,” Manchin said.
The Miners Protection Act was introduced Tuesday, the same day McConnell introduced a competing bill that would apparently provide a permanent extension only for the miners’ health benefits.
United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts, in a release issued regarding the reintroduction of the Miner Protection Act, urged prompt action.
“Representatives and senators of both parties support the MPA and have for years. The Senate majority leader and the president-elect support the long-term preservation of health-care benefits for these retirees, which we appreciate very much, although we need to preserve their pensions, as well,” he said. “The funding source is already there and a way to pay for it without increasing the deficit is there, as well. There is simply no reason not to act and act quickly.”