Bipartisan bill would provide assistance to displaced coal workers

Reps. David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have introduced legislation that would provide work transition assistance to people who lost their jobs in the coal industry.

“Coal miners and other workers are being hurt by factors beyond their control, whether it’s regulations or market forces. It’s only fair we do something to help these struggling families,” said McKinley, whose state relies on the coal industry.

{mosads}Welch said that establishing a transition assistance program for displaced coal workers should be separate from the environmental merits of coal mining

“While there are strongly held views in Congress on climate change and energy policy, there should be no disagreement that America has an obligation to ensure displaced workers in the coal industry transition successfully to good jobs in other sectors,” Welch said. 

Under the measure, the assistance would include job training as well as guidance with relocation and job searches. 

A commission created by the legislation would approve individual displaced workers’ eligibility for assistance.