We know the postal service is facing financial difficulties as more communications shift to the Internet.
However, the U.S. Postal Service remains a vital communications tool for Americans, especially to senior citizens, who still rely on USPS for our essential communications. As the director of an organization that represents over 230,000 retirees in Ohio, this is a matter of grave concern to my organization's members and myself.
Instead of passing reforms that would make USPS stronger and preserve these services for every American, Congress may soon advance legislation that imprudently threatens to cut service in an attempt to "fix" the problem.
This bill would drop Saturday service completely and would eliminate home mail delivery for most who currently receive it! All of us rely on home mail delivery, especially retirees.
These service cuts would have a disproportionate impact on senior citizens, by slowing delivery of the mail we depend on to stay connected. Seniors rely on Saturday service for timely delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks and letters from our families. Also, this bill would make it harder for people with lower mobility to access their mailbox. Eliminating home delivery is an extreme, drastic "solution".
Congress won't solve the problems facing USPS by reducing service to customers. All this bill would do is make it more difficult for my members to use a vital, and Constitutionally established, public service!
Bentley Davis, state director
Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans
