By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The price of postage continues to escalate meanwhile the U.S. Postal Service’s losses continue to balloon. Now the Postal Service is eliminating Saturday service.
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D) from Selma released a written statement in response to the Postal Service’s decision to end the delivery of Saturday letters.
Rep. Sewell said, “I am disappointed that the United States Postal Service had to make the decision to stop delivering mail on Saturday beginning in August. While I understand that the USPS was forced to make tough budgetary decisions in order to remain financially solvent, this decision will impact thousands of constituents in my district, including many rural Alabamians and seniors. And as a result of this new mail delivery schedule, numerous postal workers could face potential layoffs. This decision clearly underscores the need for Congress to work together to make strategic decisions and offer comprehensive reforms that ensures the solvency of our federal agencies that provide critical services to Alabamians and all Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues and this Administration to develop bipartisan solutions that accomplishes those goals.”
The post office will remain open on Saturday and the Postal Service will continue to deliver packages on a six-day schedule.
The U.S. Postal Service announced that the plan will save the troubled federal agency $2 billion a year. .
The Postal Service has seen a dramatic decrease in letters and mail sent through the post office due to competition from email and text messaging, contributing to a $15.9 billion loss in the agency’s last budget year triple the $5.1 billion the Postal Service lost in the previous fiscal year.
The five day schedule of the independent agency remains subject to congressional approval.
The National Association of Letter Carriers are opposing the move, and called for Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to resign.
The Letter Carriers Association said in a written statement, “This misguided and counterproductive decision is in keeping with the Postmaster General’s slash-and-shrink approach to dealing with the Postal Service’s financial challenges. Instead of offering a real business plan to tap the full potential of this essential American institution, he is offering a plan that will doom USPS to failure.”
Congressman Terri A Sewell represents Alabama’ Seventh Congressional District.
