Save the Post Office

USPS: WHAT'S HAPPENING? THE PROBLEM: New Trump-donor postmaster implemented policies to slow down mail. The delays are snowballing. USPS is broke. THE SHORT TERM SOLUTION: Include USPS in next round of COVID relief funds. THE LONG TERM SOLUTION: Pass USPS Fairness Act.  /1

On the same day USPS says it can't cease operations for Juneteenth because customers are relying on it to deliver essential services, it proposes slowing down First Class Mail parcels, which often contain pharmaceuticals. prc.gov/docs/118/11892…

Thank your USPS workers when you see them tomorrow. Though most of the federal government will be closed for Juneteenth, USPS is still working, spox tells me. Spox says USPS didn’t have enough lead time to close, and will talk to unions about taking the day off next year.

NEWS: Electric automaker Workhorse sues USPS to halt new mail truck contract $WKHS $OSK washingtonpost.com/business/2021/…

The NAACP, Public Citizen, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund have submitted a joint statement to the PRC opposing the proposed reduction in USPS service standards. It's an eloquent statement, backed by a lot of research, and well worth reading. prc.gov/docs/118/11875…

Former letter carrier and postal historian Phil Rubio has submitted comments to the PRC opposing the proposed downgrades in service standards. His statement is here: savethepostoffice.com/postal-histori…

New USPS Service Performance page on OIG website content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USPSO…

Do you have thoughts on the proposed USPS changes? If so, TOMORROW June 18 is the last day to submit them. Read what others have sent in and submit yours here: prc.gov/dockets/doclis…

The FBI is investigating Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in connection with campaign fundraising activity involving his former business, according to people familiar with the matter and a spokesman for DeJoy. wapo.st/3fOzFDq

Letter Carriers’ Union and Congressional Democrats Clash Over Louis DeJoy - prospect.org/politics/lette… tmblr.co/ZVK4hsa1vdhqSq…

Looks like DeJoy & Bloom may be playing divide & conquer: Promise NALC to maintain six-day delivery, while APWU members lose out when USPS re-starts initiatives to reduce window hours, close post offices, and consolidate processing centers.

Thread on today’s hearings:

Judging by the tenor of the hearing on the USPS Board of Governor nominees, esp. the questions and comments from Republicans, it appears that these nominations are not in any danger. The BOG will soon be evenly balanced with 4 Dems, 4 Reps, and a nonpartisan.

I know my next stamp purchase now...

NEWS: 18 USPS industry groups write to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy saying they cannot support his 10-year plan and call for him to suspend it, and suggest Congress should hold hearings on the proposal. More about the plan for your mail: washingtonpost.com/business/2021/…

Postal workers' union backs postal banking plan:

Far too many can't afford to be banked & end up paying MORE in fees to checking cashing places. So, @BillPascrell @SenGillibrand @RepMarcyKaptur & I called for USPS to provide basic $ services, like cashing, wiring or an ATM w/o fees. The program also provides revenue for USPS.

NEWS: The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hold confirmation hearings for Biden’s nominees to the USPS governing board on April 22.

"American Rescue Plan lays the foundation for robust cash support for American workers and families..the country lacks the infrastructure to get the cash to people quickly & cheaply. If we are serious about building back better then now is the time." bit.ly/3v0Oojp

This week marks a year that I’ve covered the US Postal Service. To celebrate, I made a playlist with songs about the mail. If you need me, I’ll be listening to this and reading FOIA docs all day. #USPS open.spotify.com/playlist/5jzQg…

In 1989, when there were 86 million pieces of First Class mail, more than 48 million pieces (56%) were delivered the NEXT day. That's just about the TOTAL volume of FC projected for FY2021 (49 million). Yet DeJoy wants 4 or 5 days to get it all delivered. savethepostoffice.com/service-perfor…