Rogers re-introduces black lung bill named for Whitley Co. miner

A piece of bipartisan legislation bearing the name of a Whitley County native has been reintroduced to help expedite benefits for coal miners with black lung disease.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) and U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) reintroduced the John “J.L.” White Ensuring Timely Black Lung Benefits Acts last week. White was a former Williamsburg coal miner who passed away while waiting for his benefits to be approved.

According to a release from Rogers’ office, the bill would ensure former coal miners who have met the Department of Labor’s (DoL) medical eligibility requirements can begin receiving payments from the trust fund 60 days after approval. Approved benefits will be paid for through the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which will be reimbursed once a liable company is determined by the DoL.

“Mr. White’s story is far too common. Fighting black lung disease can be a costly burden after many years of hard work, and our coal miners shouldn’t have to fight through red tape while fighting for their lives,” said Rogers in the release.

White is the late uncle of Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr. According to Pat White, J.L. was not only his uncle, but one of his “closest friends,” and he felt it was an honor to see his uncle’s work acknowledged with the legislation.

“I think my uncle would be proud to see this bill named after him. He spent his life as a hard-working man and to leave this as part of his legacy in helping other working-class people would please him greatly,” said White.

Since 1973, the Department of Labor has received more than 119,000 black lung claims in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which is the third highest in the country.