National Association of Postmasters
November 02, 2011
Senate Postal Quartet Introduce Postal Legislation
Today, key bipartisan members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee introduced S. 1789, the “21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011.” The bill was introduced by Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Committee Ranking Republican Susan Collins (R-ME), Postal Subcommittee Chair Tom Carper (D-DE) and Subcommittee Ranking Republican Scott Brown (R-MA). It has been reported that Chairman plans to schedule the bill for a Committee vote Wednesday, November 9.
The Committee released both a short bill summary and a section-by-section analysis of S. 1789. NAPUS is currently reviewing the legislation; however, there are a number of noteworthy provisions that would be of interest to Postmasters, active and retired. Those provisions would:
- Transfer the estimated $7 billion Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) overpayment to the USPS, which may be used to provide a retirement incentive for postal employees
- Require postal retirees 65 years old and over to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (doctor charges), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) would establish a Medigap Plan for Medicare-eligible postal retirees
- Restructure the USPS’ retiree health care pre-funding payments
- Authorize the USPS to negotiate with postal unions over a postal-only health plan (any one union could veto such a plan)
- Require the USPS to consider the impact that alternative retail channels would have on rural communities, and to solicit community input when such changes are proposed
- Require the USPS to develop retail service standards that guarantee customers postal access, consistent with current law
- Phase-out door mail delivery, and permit 5-day delivery in 2 years
- Permit the USPS to offer non-postal products
- Overhaul the Workers Compensation Program for ALL federal agencies — not just the USPS
This legislation represents the integration of postal legislation pending before the Senate Committee (S. 353 and S. 1010) and a few provisions in HR 2309, the Issa-Ross bill that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved last month.
It is important to note that S. 1789 maintains the current statutory protections afforded to rural post offices (e.g., a post office cannot be closed solely for operating at a deficit, and the USPS is required to provide a “maximum degree of” service to rural areas). Nevertheless, the legislation includes provisions that could harm NAPUS members, including the provision to require Medicare Part B coverage. We will be carefully reviewing the bill and will be sharing our thoughts with the Senate Committee, as well as members of the entire Senate.
i also believe 5 day delivery now than later.i wood leave with the 25grand.ps get it done
i dont believe that many employees will take the $25k incentive,without
a few added years…. 18k clear isnt a lot of money in today’s market.
for those csrs takers, soc security has a very minor effect, so they will be relying
on their pensions for the remainder of their life… decent money at 55 is not the same 30 years later.
therefore, i implore those in congress and postal management to consider adding
several years added service as a sweetener to the $25,000..thank you.
i also believe in the 5 day delivery,sooner, rather than later.
Everything seems to be a perfect solution to the problem except, the Medicare Part A and Part B. I don’t believe that Federal employees would accept it. Why not instead, let the retirees of the USPS to participate in the Postal Health Plan. (I don’t know for sure if they will be included or left out at this time)The Postal Health plan is an excellent idea if, it will have a good Dental plan, medical and medicine plan that could provide a better coverage and less exspensive. As a retiree, I would not like anything from the Social Security Adminstration. Unions must be carefull upon this negotiation as mentioned above.