The U.S. Postal Service, in response to a request made by multiple lawmakers, has agreed to delay the closing or consolidation of any post office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012.
The Postal Service will continue all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings, a spokesman said Tuesday in a news release.
“The Postal Service hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation. Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue,” the spokesman said.
U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, was among lawmakers reacting to the announcement.
“The financial problems plaguing the U.S. Postal Services are due to failed management, inadequate planning and poor business practices – problems closing a few post offices won’t fix,” Ross said in a press release. “I have sent multiple letters to the Postmaster General, had numerous conversations with Postal Service representatives and led a congressional effort to halt the closing of these postal facilities, and I’m pleased the Postal Service has finally listened. I have and will continue to urge the Postal Service to find other cost-cutting alternatives that do not disproportionately hurt people on fixed incomes or those that live in rural areas.”
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations, the spokesman said.
Ross has sent multiple letters to the U.S. Postal Service and Postmaster General, including a June 28 letter requesting a full review of the Postal Service’s closing process. Ross joined an effort to get more than 75 members of Congress to sign a Sept. 15 letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission to stop closing post offices and work with Congress to help find a long-term solution that protects customers and ensures the longevity of the postal system.