Congresswoman Fudge applauds USPS Decision: Collinwood Branch no longer considered for closure

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge is pleased to inform constituents that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new strategy to achieve cost savings that no longer includes the closing or consolidation of approximately 3,700 retail facilities throughout the nation. USPS confirmed that the Collinwood Post Office Branch on East 152nd and 5 other retail branches and stations in the 11th Congressional District that were on the proposed closing list in 2011, are spared from the chopping block. While postal authorities withdrew their plan for closing facilities for the time being, they clearly stated they reserve the right to propose closings in the future if new cost cutting measures fail to control their deficit. Without changes, such as buy-outs and reductions in the workforce through attrition, reduced hours at rural post offices or consolidation of mail processing facilities, the Post Office says it will continue to lose $25 million per day.  However the single greatest contribution to the Post Office debt is a requirement that they "pre-fund" retirement benefits for employees 75 years into the future ($5.5 billion annually), a mandate imposed on no other business or government agency in the nation. This has resulted in large overpayments that Congresswoman Fudge says can and should be addressed by Congress.

“While, I am pleased that USPS will seek a new direction to achieve fiscal solvency without closing much needed facilities in our district, I urge them to do more. USPS must keep first class and Saturday delivery, maintain service standards and preserve health care and retirement benefits for its employees to adequately service our communities," said Congresswoman Fudge. "Postal facilities are a vital engine of economic activity in our community and accessibility is a crucial factor for businesses and residents, especially postal patrons with limited mobility or access to the internet such as the elderly, the disabled and low income residents."   The Congresswoman thanks the people and businesses of Collinwood who submitted more than 1,000 signatures to her office asking the Post Office to reconsider the closing of their station. It's important that people let their voices be heard on important issues and when it comes to their Post Office, Collinwood did just that - loud and clear!
USPS facilities no longer considered for closing in the 11th Congressional District:
·     Collinwood Station
·     East Cleveland Branch
·     Euclid Branch
·     Glenville Bratenahl Branch
·     Newburg Station
·     University Station

Belinda Prinz is the Communications Director for Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge who represents Collinwood and the rest of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio.