News & information

News items from various industry corners that could be of interest to letter carriers:

Briefly mentioned: A Washington Post editorial buries “postal reform” in a list of suggested keys to boosting America’s economic growth. Chances are, though, that the Post’s typically business-leaning editorial board is not thinking of reform in terms of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) S. 316. (The Washington Post)

Dissatisfied delegate: A letter from Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe notes her concern that the PMG’s plan to to close or consolidate 82 postal processing centers next year lacks input from the public. The congressional delegate sits on the House committees with Postal Service oversight. (Norton’s website)

Resistance is growing: One of the mail-processing plants targeted for possible closure next year is in Redding, CA, prompting some residents there to launch a Facebook page and online petition to ask the local board of supervisors to try to stop the closure. (The Siskiyou Daily News)

Post-election predictions: A Washington Post columnist wonders what a Capitol Hill controlled by Republicans might mean for federal workers whose jobs are affected by congressional action—a group that includes letter carriers. Many in the GOP support letter carriers and a robust USPS, an agency with roots in the U.S. Constitution. Check out our voter guide to find out who they are. (The Washington Post)

Deficits matter: As the economy improves, tax revenues are up and the deficit is falling. A robust economy benefits the USPS, as more people feel confident in purchasing the goods that get delivered by professional letter carriers and as businesses have more money to spend on direct-mail advertising. (The Wall Street Journal)