The price of a first class stamp is about to fall from $.49 to $.47.
This will only be the third time in the history of the US Postal Service that the price of postage has fallen.
This drop will save money for consumers, businesses and anyone who utilizes the mail.
This price decrease is scheduled to happen, will happen and should happen.
The only way that it doesn’t happen is if Congress takes action to stop it.
Congress should do what it does best – nothing.
In existence since 1775, the US Postal Service is one of the longest acting services in this country.
Providing letter mail delivery to every household nationwide, at a reasonable rate, the US Postal Service is an American institution that many rely on.
Unfortunately, the US Postal Service is faced with a number of challenges, many of its own making, which threaten its future existence.
Since 2007, the USPS has failed to turn a profit and has had losses totaling over $50 billion.
There is no doubt that the internet age has not had a positive impact on mail volumes.
Sending an email and getting an immediate response is easier and often will yield a more timely response than communicating with someone via letter correspondence.
A temporary increase in the cost of postage was approved in 2014 to help the USPS recover funds due to the Great Recession. That was appropriate.
But the Great Recession ended seven years ago and this increase should be allowed to expire on April 10th.
Leaders of the US Postal Service are currently asking lawmakers to stop the price cut and make the increase permanent.
The Postal Service needs better business management to improve their financial outlook.
As an organization that is already subsidized to the tune of $18 billion annually by the federal government, another price increase on consumers is not the answer.
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson is Chairman of the Committee that might consider legislation that would extend the price increase.
Senator Johnson needs to stand up for consumers and make sure we all get a little financial relief.
The US Postal Service needs to focus on products and services that cover their costs at a minimum. Businesses that can’t turn a profit most likely won’t be in business long and this is an unacceptable outcome for the US Postal Service.
