“These are tough economic times for everyone in America, including the United States Postal Service,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Postal Service can no longer depend on its current system to produce the revenue needed to cover the costs of an ever-expanding delivery network. My bill would enable the Postal Service to sell products other than stamps so they can earn additional revenue, remain open and prevent layoffs.”
The USPS may not be able to make its $5.5 billion payment due at the end of this month and may have to shut down unless Congress takes emergency action. The USPS receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage and services to fund its operations. As a result of dramatic declines in mail volume, the USPS continues to experience significantly reduced revenue and is taking every action to cut costs and streamline operations across the organization in order to sustain universal mail to the American people.
In August, Congressman Cohen sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe urging him to keep six Memphis area post offices open for business considering how important they are to the local community . The six post offices are under review for possible closure. The Congressman later toured several of the post offices to study the issue more closely before taking legislative action to help the USPS. In some countries, Post Offices double as banks or sell insurance or cellphones. In the U.S., the Postal Service is barred from entering many areas but the Cohen measure would help the USPS have broader authority to provide nonpostal services.
Re:PMJR Congress cannot even agree to fund natural disasters anymore and you expect them to return postal retirement contributions? I think it’s time for your Fantasy Island vacation! The unforunate reality for all of us in PO is 5 day delivery and layoffs!
This may work on certain offices and it all depends on the legislation. The selling of all that junk in the past was not a solution, but it can be a small part. Why can’t we follow the lead of the UPS stores? They were ahead of the USPS in tracking of parcels and eventually, took away the business.
How about a USPS store doing reproduction services, fax mailing, wrapping, notorary service etc. The many branches/stations closed or proposed for closure were located in urban areas. Some post offices could do the same.
Do not expect this to be the overall solution. Many of the offices are located in rural areas and there would just NOT have enough customers.
Right now, why not introduce legislation to remove that 5.5 billion dollars requirement to prefund future health benefits and to return the more than 50 billion dollars of overpayment the USPS has made to the retirement fund?
Give me a break. We’ve tried filling our lobbies with all kinds of ” Made in China” crap. After sitting in lobbies for 3 to 4 quarters, it was discounted to 75%, and still did not sell.
Last chance for incumbent COLCPE Congressmen to save their seats!
Looks like there is still some sanity in the House.