Late last week Wooten requested that the House Finance Committee increase the budget of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training by $US4.3 million.
The increased funds would allow the mine safety office to relieve the agency's Penalty and Assessment Special Revenue Fund of covering the pay and expenses of 12 employees; and to hire four more inspectors and five more training instructors, the Associated Press reported.
The funding would also allow additional training and room for one more rescue team, ensuring there is always a team on standby even when others are training.
A portion of the money has also been tagged for salary increases and five more staff at the new Mine Emergency Operations Center, AP reported.
