After the recent leak of the memos detailing efforts to privatize the United States Postal Service by implementing cost-cutting measures, many have been quite concerned about the possible shutdown. Moreover, people have been brainstorming ways to help save the Post Office.
For instance, a Twitter user named USPostOffice911 has recently created a thread in which they thoroughly explained the current situation surrounding USPS and offered some solutions of how people could contribute to saving the Post Office. Let's take a look.
More info: twitter.com
Here's the situation
The user begins by explaining the situation and telling why it's an important one. "The USPS delivers *everywhere,* including rural areas that private deliveries skip. Vets & senior citizens rely on USPS for med deliveries," one of the tweets reads. "Without the USPS, a lot of people will be in trouble."
USPostOffice911 emphasizes the importance of the problem by adding that USPS is one of our country's largest employers. Besides, this whole situation has the potential to disrupt the upcoming election since many people will use mail-in ballots because of the pandemic.
"Without the USPS, a lot of people will be in trouble"
"The biggest issue about USPS & the election is Trump. If the mail is slow, people might start to actually believe Trump's unsubstantiated mail voting fraud allegations. His allegations are not based on any actual facts or evidence," USPostOffice911 continues.
"If the mail is slow, people might start to actually believe Trump's unsubstantiated mail voting fraud allegations"
Then the user proceeds to explain the root of the problem. "In 2006, a law was passed that forced the USPS to keep cash on hand to fund retirement benefits for the next 75 years. That's literally billions of dollars. This is the Postal Accountability Act. This is why the USPS's financial situation is dire," the user explains. Besides, the new policies implemented by the new Postmaster "overtime & delivering all of the day's mail, and change sorting processes to make it take longer."
"In 2006, a law was passed that forced the USPS to keep cash on hand to fund retirement benefits for the next 75 years"
And now, let's talk about the possible solutions. The first short term solution offered by this Twitter user was including USPS funds in the next round of COVID-19 relief. "Another short term solution floated by Repubs is a loan from Mnuchin's Treasury Dept. This doesn't work for many reasons. It's a loan, which means more debt. The money would have to be spent pursuant to terms set by Mnuchin. And USPS would have to give over proprietary data," they add.
"USPS funds need to be included in the next round of COVID relief"
And what about the long term solution? "The USPS Fairness Act. This specifically repeals the pre-funding mandate of the 2006 law. It would be a critical fix for USPS's finances. And it's been approved by the House. It's currently sitting in the Senate with no vote planned in sight," USPostOffice911 explains.
"What's the long term solution? The USPS Fairness Act"
The user ends their thread by encouraging people to contribute by calling reps. "Say you are a constituent and give your zip code. And then ask: 1) that USPS funding be included in the next relief package; 2) an investigation into Postmaster DeJoy's new policies; and 3) a vote on the USPS Fairness Act," the user adds.
"Call your reps. Every day. Seriously"
"Also, be kind to your letter carriers and local postal workers! They are working so hard every day to provide your mail and packages"
Here's what people had to say about it
