Why are teachers in blue states paying for health benefits for coal miners in red states? [View all]

[PdxSean]

I know it's a loaded question, but how the hell can anyone justify lifetime healthcare for coal miners AND their widows when these red state coal miners are the first to argue against universal health care?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/coal-miner-benefits-government-shutdown_us_58f67521e4b0de5bac41b528?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009

Congress in December extended health coverage for for retired miners and their widows, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) promised the Senate would vote to permanently fund it when the next deadline came around.

I should add that the funding is supported by democratic leadership.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). “Anything less is an unacceptable and tragic failure of this body to keep its word to the men and women who powered our nation to prosperity at the risk of their own health and lives.”

This would be ironic if it wasn't so phuqed up.