Thread by @kazweida, This #SundayMorning there's lots to worry about, but we're focusing on reports [...]

This #SundayMorning there& #39;s lots to worry about, but we& #39;re focusing on reports the United States Postal Service could shut down by June without help from Congress.

@RepMaloney & @GerryConnolly warned that bankruptcy is imminent for the USPS.
(THREAD) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-lawmakers-warn-us-postal-service-shut-down-june/">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coro...

U.S. Postal Service could shut down by June without more funding, Democratic lawmakers warn

As funding runs low, U.S. Postal Service says it may not be able to keep operations going.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-lawmakers-warn-us-postal-service-shut-down-june/

(2) Mail volume has decreased dramatically since state lockdowns began. USPS isn& #39;t funded by taxpayers but relies on income from the sale of services, stamps, and more.

House Dems are proposing a $25 million bailout & debt relief to keep USPS afloat. https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-democrats-act-rapidly-to-save-postal-service-from-bankruptcy-as-a-result">https://oversight.house.gov/news/pres...

House Democrats Act Rapidly to Save Postal Service from Bankruptcy As a Result of Coronavirus Crisis

Washington, D.C. (Mar. 23, 2020)—Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Gerry Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government...

https://oversight.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-democrats-act-rapidly-to-save-postal-service-from-bankruptcy-as-a-result

(3) It wouldn& #39;t be the first time the USPS found itself teetering on the edge of financial ruin. The government has previously given the struggling mail service a hand when times got tough.

Why is it so essential to keep the USPS running right now? https://fortune.com/2015/03/27/us-postal-service/">https://fortune.com/2015/03/2...

U.S. Post Office gets an $18 billion gift from taxpayers every year

A new analysis explains just how much the USPS benefits from the subsidies it receives from the federal government.

https://fortune.com/2015/03/27/us-postal-service/

(4) While UPS & FedEx have cut into their business over the years, the postal service still performs vital functions in rural areas delivering life-saving medications & supplies.

These services are absolutely essential right now. https://www.newsweek.com/banks-post-offices-essential-business-services-stay-home-social-distancing-orders-1495453">https://www.newsweek.com/banks-pos...

These are the essential businesses staying open during the stay at home orders

While non-essential businesses like dine-in restaurants and bars will be closed, essential services like post offices and banks will remain open.

https://www.newsweek.com/banks-post-offices-essential-business-services-stay-home-social-distancing-orders-1495453

(5) That& #39;s why it was so puzzling to see USPS excluded from the stimulus package Congress just passed.

Certainly, there are some challenges to keeping the mail service running safely during the pandemic, but USPS is trying to address those. https://www.wboy.com/news/usps-has-made-changes-to-keep-employees-and-costumers-safe-during-covid-19-outbreak/">https://www.wboy.com/news/usps...

USPS has made changes to keep employees and costumers safe during COVID-19 outbreak

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The United States Postal Services across West Virginia are seeing several changes in their health protocols, to practice social distancing. These changed behaviors are to …

https://www.wboy.com/news/usps-has-made-changes-to-keep-employees-and-costumers-safe-during-covid-19-outbreak/

(6) And it& #39;s not just the medication, supplies, and official correspondence USPS delivers.

They& #39;re also responsible for making sure we all have access to vote safely via mail, an effort many states are trying to expand. https://www.businessinsider.com/postal-service-funding-crisis-could-harm-voting-by-mail-coronavirus-2020-4">https://www.businessinsider.com/postal-se...

The US Postal Service is on track to run out of money by June, and it could be a disaster for...

"The post office has the ability to deliver democracy," one elections expert told Insider. "That's what we need them to do, especially in a pandemic."

https://www.businessinsider.com/postal-service-funding-crisis-could-harm-voting-by-mail-coronavirus-2020-4

(7) 25% of Americans vote by mail and a death blow to USPS would mean many folks would have to risk exposure at polling places in order to cast their votes in postponed primaries.

It could also place us at risk of another outbreak this fall during the general election.

(8) The GOP and Trump are resisting efforts to expand voting by mail because they know the more accessible they make voting, the more they will lose nationally and locally.

Suppressing the vote is essential to minority rule. https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-2020/ct-coronavirus-mail-ballots-20200404-kdvbtbaexffnnhypukvzyy53km-story.html">https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-...

Democrats want to provide mail-in ballots amid COVID-19. Republicans don’t.

"If you ever agreed to it you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/election-2020/ct-coronavirus-mail-ballots-20200404-kdvbtbaexffnnhypukvzyy53km-story.html

(9) Demand not only a bailout for the USPS. Insist workers get hazard pay as they provide essential services to homes across America.

It& #39;s not just your mail delivery that depends on it. It& #39;s your right to vote safely this fall that hangs in the balance. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-drivers-bringing-mail-to-areas-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus-demand-hazard-pay/">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps...

USPS drivers bringing mail to areas hardest hit by coronavirus demand hazard pay

A petition says postal employees carry "blood, sweat, and tears" every day at the expense of their health and time with families.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-drivers-bringing-mail-to-areas-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus-demand-hazard-pay/

(10) Thanks to @astrafandango for the #SundayMorning thread suggestion. Come back next week and we& #39;ll do this again.

Like threads like this and want to keep them coming? You can support my work here:

https://paypal.me/kazweida ">https://paypal.me/kazweida&... https://patreon.com/kazweida ">https://patreon.com/kazweida&...

Kaz Weida is creating Journalism | Patreon

Become a patron of Kaz Weida today: Read 42 posts by Kaz Weida and get access to exclusive content and experiences on the world’s largest membership platform for artists and creators.

https://paypal.me/kazweida

Latest Threads Unrolled: