![](https://theallianceforappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20180924_123017-2-850x220.jpg)
In September 2018, 36 Appalachian leaders from 6 states (AL, KY, PA, TN, VA, WV) joined the Alliance to lobby for Black Lung benefits, the RECLAIM Act, and miners’ pensions. We had 43 + visits with Senators and Representatives, identified a potential Senate author for the Black Lung extension bill, and laid the groundwork for co-sponsors in the House and Senate.