I'm not so sure I want single-payer health care in the U.S. anymore.
"GAO calls for Postal Service overhaul" by Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press | July 29, 2009
WASHINGTON - The agency faces a nearly $7 billion potential loss this fiscal year despite a 2-cent increase in the price of stamps in May and cuts in staff.
So WTF did we pay for?
And it sure shows around here; 45 minutes waiting in line!!!
Pending legislation in the House and Senate would offer short-term help, but “that can only postpone the inevitable....,’’ Mailers Council executive director Robert C. McLean said.
Congress is considering a bill to change how the post office funds its retiree health benefits that could save $2 billion annually. The post office also filed a petition with the independent Postal Regulatory Commission indicating that managers are looking at closing many post offices to save money.
In addition, Postmaster General John Potter has asked Congress for permission to reduce mail deliveries from six days a week to five....
They already work little enough as it is!!
The GAO report said the key short-term goal is to cut expenses quickly enough to offset mail volume and revenue declines to avoid running out of cash to pay its expenses. Postal officials have said the agency could run out of cash in September.
--more--"
WASHINGTON - Facing staggering financial losses, the Postal Service is looking at closing nearly 1,000 offices across the country.
How about SHUTTING DOWN the WARS instead?
The post office has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses switch to e-mail both for personal contact and bill paying. The agency is facing a nearly $7 billion potential loss this fiscal year despite a 2-cent increase in the price of stamps in May, cuts in staff, and removal of collection boxes.
Postal officials sent a list of nearly 700 potential closing candidates to the independent Postal Regulatory Commission for review, and more may be added. Seven post offices in Boston - including those at Logan Airport and Faneuil Hall - one in Cambridge, and another in New Bedford are on the list. Several college post offices are also listed.
Postal vice president Jordan Small told a congressional subcommittee that local managers will study activities of approximately 3,200 stations and branches across the country considering factors such as customer access, service standards, cost savings, impact on employees, environmental impact, real estate values and long-term Postal Service needs....
Then my branch is sunk.
Just last week the General Accountability Office added the Postal Service to its list of troubled agencies, saying there are serious and significant structural financial challenges currently facing the agency.
Probably be easier to name those that aren't huh?
Whadda ya mean there is none on the list?
“Every major postal policy, from employee pay, to days of delivery, to the closing of postal facilities must be on the table. Without major change, the day will soon come when the Postal Service will be unable to pay its bills,’’ GAO said.
What, no bailout like the banks got?
Oh, right, this is a SERVICE for the PEOPLE so NO BAILOUT with THEIR OWN $$$$.
Congress is considering a bill to change the way the post office funds its retiree health benefits over the next two years that could save it $2 billion annually....
Gee, they cut the reduced work week on this piece.
Must have not gone over too well with the public.
