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Cuts threaten Postal Service

Here’s a bit of history and some current news for you The U.S. Post Office, now the U.S. Postal Service, was created by the Second Continental Congress on July 26, 1775. It is an independent agency of the United States federal government. It also was federally funded until 1971. Since then, Congress has tried, and in some cases, succeeded in using the USPS as a cash cow to fund various government projects.

The budget proposed by the president for 2018 has been submitted to the U.S. House and Senate. This budget proposal calls for $46 billion in vaguely defined cuts and revenue change, suggesting higher postage rates, elimination of Saturday delivery and reduced door delivery (aka cluster boxes like you see in newer neighborhoods). Stripping revenue from the USPS will open the door to privatization.

To refresh your memory about your postal service, first class letters cost 49 cents, the cheapest in the world. This rate guarantees delivery to any state in the country regardless of where you live.

I urge you to contact your representative and senators and ask them to vote against any legislation that attacks the Postal Service and their employees.

Mike Rapp

Spokane

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