Read on Twitter
Ok, here& #39;s a list of #USPS actions for anyone who needs it, divided with federal/state/local actions.
1. Please share as needed.
2. I want to stress: because we are still in a pandemic, states/local gov. are willing to consider emergency options they normally wouldn& #39;t.
1. Please share as needed.
2. I want to stress: because we are still in a pandemic, states/local gov. are willing to consider emergency options they normally wouldn& #39;t.
If I& #39;m recommending it, it& #39;s because I think it merits an ask/it& #39;s based on experience + it& #39;s not out of the realm of possibility!
I& #39;m definitely not going to tell you to waste your time on something that doesn& #39;t make sense.
Also, a LOT of action points, so using
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">
I& #39;m definitely not going to tell you to waste your time on something that doesn& #39;t make sense.
Also, a LOT of action points, so using
A. Legislation
Federalhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">A. Legislationhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">The House passed the #HeroesAct on 05/15 w/ $25 billion to USPS, including priority focus on PPE: https://m.npmhu.org/media/new... class="Emoji" style="height:16px;" src=" " title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Federalhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">A. Legislationhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">The House passed the #HeroesAct on 05/15 w/ $25 billion to USPS, including priority focus on PPE: https://m.npmhu.org/media/new... class="Emoji" style="height:16px;" src=" " class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Because they& #39;re home:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Call the *district offices* or DOs of your Senators.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">The full list of your Senators is here: https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
https://www.senate.gov/general/c... class="Emoji" style="height:16px;" src=" https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Click through on their names to go to their website, and find their district offices. You can also email or fax in a message.
The #HeroesAct is emergency funding for the USPS + COVID-related problems.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">But the USPS& #39;s longer-term financial problems are because of a *2006 GOP law* which requires retirements be pre-funded.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> @NALC_National wanted to cancel this in 2018: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/its-the-prefunding-stupid">https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc...
Please make sure you tell electeds (especially GOP):
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">You *know* USPS& #39;s financial challenges are because of pre-funding, because they& #39;re blaming/excusing DeJoy& #39;s changes due to structural issues.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Here& #39;s a report discussing pre-funding, if needed: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/its-the-prefunding-stupid">https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc...
Additional talking points on why urgent legislation is needed:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> USPS are frontline workers who deserve hazard pay,
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> USPS anticipated a $13 billion revenue loss in April due to COVID. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/politics/postal-service-congress-help/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/1... class="Emoji" style="height:16px;" src=" https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> USPS workers need PPE.
B. Investigations/Hearings
There are multiple investigations/hearings in Congress right now over DeJoy& #39;s actions, including:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> @SenGaryPeters requesting public input re: #USPS slowdowns as Ranking Member of Homeland Security/ Governmental Affairs: https://www.peters.senate.gov/postal ">https://www.peters.senate.gov/postal&qu...
There are multiple investigations/hearings in Congress right now over DeJoy& #39;s actions, including:
https://oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2020-08-03%20CBM%20to%20DeJoy%20-PMG%20re%20Witness%20Invite.pdf
E.g. @Sen_JoeManchin: https://www.wdtv.com/2020/08/14/manchin-tours-harrison-county-post-office/">https://www.wdtv.com/2020/08/1...
C. Federal candidates/campaigns
More of an indirect list of actions, but every candidate running for federal office right now should be able to:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">Explain why USPS has been losing $ (pre-funding!)
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What actions they& #39;ve taken to save USPS/help voting (for incumbents)
More of an indirect list of actions, but every candidate running for federal office right now should be able to:
This is important, because the challenges w/ USPS are not short-term. We need officials who get the longer term battle.
(And honestly: having the right electeds really does matter.
A graduate school classmate wrote her final paper on how frustrating it was for her to see USPS pushed aside as an issue year after year, because it hasn& #39;t been urgent... until now.
Support electeds who prioritize)
A graduate school classmate wrote her final paper on how frustrating it was for her to see USPS pushed aside as an issue year after year, because it hasn& #39;t been urgent... until now.
Support electeds who prioritize)
Points addressed:
(Add own points as needed)
Federal template script https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Points addressed: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Need a vote on COVID $ reliefhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> USPS $ problems => pre-fundinghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Confirm no more removing mailboxeshttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Hearingshttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Electeds to visit USPS locations(Add own points as needed)" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Federal template script https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Points addressed: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Need a vote on COVID $ reliefhttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> USPS $ problems => pre-fundinghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Confirm no more removing mailboxeshttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Hearingshttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Electeds to visit USPS locations(Add own points as needed)" class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Template script for federal candidates of choicehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Template script for federal candidates of choicehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">" class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Also, link error in this tweet -
https://twitter.com/Celeste_pewter/status/1294467369650159617?s=20
Here& #39;s">https://twitter.com/Celeste_p... the link to the report from the Congressional Research Service covering the negative impacts of pre-funding:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40983.pdf">https://fas.org/sgp/crs/m...
https://twitter.com/Celeste_pewter/status/1294467369650159617?s=20
Here& #39;s">https://twitter.com/Celeste_p... the link to the report from the Congressional Research Service covering the negative impacts of pre-funding:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R40983.pdf">https://fas.org/sgp/crs/m...
State level actions need to be a big focus when it comes to the impact of #USPS and voting in November.
Why, you ask? Because our system of voting is decentralized and it& #39;s state-by-state.
The actions here are more direct & immediate action for each of us.
E.g. Newsom did this in California: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bill-to-send-a-mail-ballot-to-every-active-15349881.php">https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/...
E.g. This happened today. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/08/14/beshear-adams-unveil-kentucky-voting-plan-november-elections/5584784002/
Is">https://www.courier-journal.com/story/new... this something you can ask of Gov./SoS?
This is tough, because COVID deficits being experienced at all levels of gov. BUT still worth asking.
Individual (and this overlaps with County)
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">When will your ballot be mailed (if being mailed?) How long does it usually take to get there?
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">If it doesn& #39;t arrive, do you know what to do?
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Can you vote early? What& #39;s the earliest you can vote?
It& #39;s generally accepted people w/ voting plans will vote. Ask friends/family these questions too.
Can you start preparing early to make sure you have everything you need? https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/valid-forms-id">https://www.nass.org/can-i-vot...
There& #39;s a severe shortage of poll workers right now, because of COVID, and older poll workers pulling out. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/13/politics/poll-worker-shortage-2020-election/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/1...
If you& #39;re able, working Election Day and making it as safe and efficient as possible for others to vote, is a big act of patriotism.
Consider finding your state here, and follow the instructions on your individual state pages https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/become-a-poll-worker">https://www.nass.org/can-i-vot...
Consider finding your state here, and follow the instructions on your individual state pages https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/become-a-poll-worker">https://www.nass.org/can-i-vot...
When you& #39;re done with your application, follow the instructions on how bring it back to your *local county registrar*, because that& #39;s who& #39;s point on this.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Script templatehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">
Talking points covered:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What has already been done
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What WILL be done, given federal news?
Talking points covered:
Script templatehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Talking points covered: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What has already been donehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What WILL be done, given federal news?" title="When you& #39;re done with your application, follow the instructions on how bring it back to your *local county registrar*, because that& #39;s who& #39;s point on this. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts">Script templatehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Talking points covered: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What has already been donehttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">What WILL be done, given federal news?" class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
Your county registrar of voters is the local body putting on elections in your area.
Because">https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/eodd... they + their team will be overseeing issues on Election Day. Know who to call.
A lot of what I said in the state section apply here, so I& #39;ll keep it short. Use your county registrar to figure out:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Figure out when your ballot (if by mail)
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Are there local drop-off locations?
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Or what& #39;s your local vote center/polling location?
Beyond just voting, your county registrar is your point to:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Reach out if you want to volunteer to be a poll worker (check requirements; what they need, etc.)
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> (Jointly, with your County Board): Reach out and ask if they have plans to expand vote collection given USPS.
E.g. Can they arrange for:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Additional polling locations?
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen"> Additional drop-off locations/boxes/collection points?
E.g. my old office building used to have a regular box in the lobby, watched over by building security. Is this something that can be replicated?
E.g. my old office building used to have a regular box in the lobby, watched over by building security. Is this something that can be replicated?
Under normal circumstances, a lot of things would already be locked into place.
But because of COVID, things are shifting, so it doesn& #39;t hurt to *ask* - e.g. what we saw in Kentucky today. Asking encourages staff to realize there& #39;s an issue, and encourages them to solve it.
But because of COVID, things are shifting, so it doesn& #39;t hurt to *ask* - e.g. what we saw in Kentucky today. Asking encourages staff to realize there& #39;s an issue, and encourages them to solve it.
Talking points:
Script template for local electeds https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Talking points: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">Are they prepared? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">Can they expand access given federal challenges? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">If they need funding, can they reach out to other levels of gov?" title="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="➡️" title="Pfeil nach rechts" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach rechts"> Script template for local electeds https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬅️" title="Pfeil nach links" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach links">Talking points: https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">Are they prepared? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">Can they expand access given federal challenges? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="✔️" title="Fettes Häkchen" aria-label="Emoji: Fettes Häkchen">If they need funding, can they reach out to other levels of gov?" class="img-responsive" style="max-width:100%;"/>
I think it& #39;s important for all us to remember it can& #39;t be easy to work for USPS right now. Can you support your local mail carrier/postal staff/see what they need?
Because if you remember: #HeroesAct provided urgent PPE $, but it *hasn& #39;t passed*.
And they& #39;re out in a pandemic. How can we make it easier on them? It doesn& #39;t hurt to ask.
