Keeping the USPS operating with COVID-19 funding
On July 19, one day before he was scheduled to travel from New York State back to Washington D.C. to help lead negotiations on the next coronavirus recovery bill, COVID-4, U.S. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer revealed that U.S. Post offices are in danger of closing their doors unless they receive an infusion of funds plus the personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies needed to keep workers and the mail-receiving public safe.
Schumer said he plans to fight for a critically needed $25 billion infusion for the USPS so they can keep the doors open and the mail moving for all Americans.
“All across Upstate New York, from Western and Central New York, to the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Capital District, Hudson Valley, or beyond, the USPS performs a lifeline service for countless Americans and the people of New York that must continue amid and beyond this pandemic,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.
“The fact is, the coronavirus has severely crippled USPS operations and their funds. Despite that, they have kept the doors open, the mail –and really the economy– moving, and now they need the help to sustain their pace. The fight to keep our post offices open by injecting the dollars needed to do the job and purchase the personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies required to keep everyone safe will begin tomorrow, and I am here to say: I vow to lead it,” he added.
Schumer explained the fight to keep post offices across the country open will begin this week. He said the services provided by USPS amount to lifelines for millions of Americans that cannot be replaced or easily replicated, especially in certain parts of the country. Schumer detailed how the coronavirus pandemic has crippled our post offices and their operations as he stressed their relevance and importance to our larger economic recovery.
Schumer, citing the Associated Press, said that mail volume is down by more than 30% from last year because of the coronavirus, and the Postal Service says losses will increase by more than $22 billion over the next 18 months. Schumer added that the monumental costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) are also driving huge costs for the USPS.
Those supplies are needed to keep workers and the mail-receiving public safe. Schumer said the USPS will need funding to purchase the PPE it needs, in addition to funding to offset the operational shortfalls delivered by the coronavirus.
“We are unable to predict the duration of COVID-19 business closures and the duration of the recession we are currently experiencing; however, this situation will materially damage our financial condition,” said USPS Chief Financial Officer Joseph Corbett.
“While we continue to conserve capital and reduce expenses in areas where volumes are declining, our ability to continue to serve the nation will require substantial finding from the federal government or other sources.”
“The bottom-line here, added Schumer, is that without the U.S. Postal Service in operation, we might as well stamp ‘Return to Sender’ on any economic recovery plan that is presented.”
On July 17, the Postal Service reported that the agency is “undertaking all reasonable measures to minimize the [COVID-19] impact to our customers.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is on record as saying he won’t be approving any funds for the USPS unless the agency begins charging Amazon “four to five times current rates.” Trump is reportedly extremely jealous of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and considers Bezos to be a business rival.
As early as April, Trump was bad-mouthing the USPS and standing his ground regarding any bail out funds:
“The Postal Service is a joke because they’re handing out packages for Amazon and other internet companies and every time they bring a package, they lose money on it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation: 160 million residences, businesses, and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations, according to the Service.
(Source: Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator for New York)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
