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Postal Service Might Get 3 Month Lifeline To Stay Afloat
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 7, 2011
Modified Sep 7, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 7, 2011
Modified Sep 7, 2011
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The US Postal Service made it clear earlier this week that they were close to shutting down in the face of a $9.2 billion budget deficit and a $5.5 billion payment due on the 30th of this month. But now the Times reports that the Obama administration is proposing covering the gap for an extra three months. An extension? At least that's better than a "bailout," which would be totally unheard of and completely uncalled for.
While the Postmaster General has proffered drastic, contract-breaking measures to reduce the agency's spending—such as closing 3,700 post offices, laying off 120,000 workers and eliminating Saturday delivery—the president of the American Postal Workers Union has called them "outrageous, illegal and despicable."
Senator Clair McCaskill of Missouri feels that we need to fall in love with the letter again: "I really believe that if someone would begin to market the value of sending a written letter to someone you love, you might be surprised what it will do for your Christmas season." Or maybe just market how easy it used to be to break up with people?
Tagged
post office
unions
letters
united states postal service
barack obama
obama
stamps
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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