Posted March 8, 2022
VICTORY FOR CHERRYBELL!
U.S. SENATE PASSES POSTAL REFORM BILL
The U.S. Senate today voted 79-19 for final approval of the Postal Reform Act of 2022.
The Postal Reform Act:
Eliminates the requirement that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) pre-fund retiree health benefits for 75 years. Eliminating the pre-funding requirement will help shore up USPS finances and provide greater stability for the postal service and keep processing centers like Cherrybell open and running.
Shifts most medical costs for postal service retirees to Medicare.
Authorizes USPS to provide non-postal services on behalf of State, local and tribal governments, require it to publish data on delivery performance.
Requires USPS to maintain six-day delivery.
Expands the authority of the USPS inspector general over the Postal Regulatory Commission.
“This is a major victory in our 11-year battle to keep the Cherrybell Post Office and Processing Center open and functioning, serving 1.5 million people, the two Tribes, Seniors, Veterans, small businesses and other companies in Tucson and Southern Arizona,” Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres said. “The stronger financial footing for the USPS provides us the opportunity to restore services that were previously consolidated in Phoenix, including local sorting and bringing back the Tucson postmark. I will continue to work with the Arizona Congressional delegation to restore these functions, the employees, and the services back to Tucson.”
“I am grateful to the Arizona Congressional delegation, business, labor and community leaders across Tucson and Southern Arizona, and to my fellow Mayor and Council, for their leadership and support during this 11-year battle for our community and Cherrybell,” Council Member Fimbres went on to say.
The Postal Reform Act, H.R. 3076, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 342-92. The bill goes to President Biden. He is expected to sign the bill.