I strongly disagree with Senator Corker's characterization of the passage of the postal reform bill as "generational theft." He is referring to the provision in the bill that transfers $11 billion from the treasury to the Postal Service. What he does not say is the Postal Service has overpaid billions of dollars since 2006 to the treasury. This was done to fund employee retirement accounts as a result of flawed legislation.
The current bill is simply refunding some of the overpayments.
If an individual pays too much in income tax throughout the year, they complete a tax return and file for a refund of the overpayment. Is this also considered "generational theft?"
I have been and continue to be a supporter of Sen. Corker, but his statement is misleading at best. The Postal Service is supported by those who use its services through the sale of postage. It does not receive a subsidy from the congress. Since 2006, it has overpaid billions of dollars to the treasury. In essence, the congress enacted a "stamp tax" to generate revenues to hide the true magnitude of the federal deficit.
Due to economic conditions, the Postal Service can no longer be a cash cow for the treasury and tough decisions have to be made regarding cutting costs. Part of that process involves returning revenue which rightly belongs to the Postal Service.
The bill passed by the Senate is not perfect. In fact, I preferred some of Sen. Corker's options. But in order to get enough votes to pass, this was the best that could be accomplished.
Mike Owens
Nashville
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I've done a little digging and it seems that what Mr. Owens is saying rings true. Why has this not been brought out by the people that can change things?
I hope Mr. Corker reconsiders and takes a look at what Mr. Owens is saying. The Postal Service needs some reforming, but in the right ways.
Joe Blevins
Guild, Tn.