minnesota state association of letter carriers the minnesota

The Minnesota Letter CarrierMinnesota State Association of Letter Carriers

Jan - Mar 2012

The new 2011 - 2014 MSALC Officers and Board Members

NALC Director of Life Insurance Myra Warren (l) recites the Oath of Office for the new 2011 - 2014 MSALC Officers and Board Members. Officers are (l-r) President Lisa O’Neill, Janet Musta (resigned), Vice President Scott Dulas, Board Member Chair Connie Beissel, Treasurer Troy Nelson, Board Member Janice Johnson, Board Member Shawn Hansen, Board Member Joyce Bell, Director of Retirees Cheryl Stately, and Editor James Borowske. Not pictured: Board Member Melissa Kmett and appointed Secretary Reen Alves. For contact information of all Officers, Board Members, and Liaison turn to page 11

MDA Coordinator Warren Wehmas (Hopkins Br 2942) with the winner of the 2011 MDA Raffle Bob Baltes (St Paul Br 28). Read Troy Nelson’s Article on page 7 to find out what the next MDA Fund Raising plan is.Right: And it is about time Dean Bixenman, Mankato Br 90, get recognition for playing his guitar at the annual Deceased Members Memorial, at the Bon Fires and other events

MDA Quilt Raffle Winner

The Minnesota Letter Carrier page 2 www.msalc.org January - March 2012

A bill for an act proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, article I, by adding a section; establishing a freedom of employment

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED.

An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the amendment is adopted, a section shall be added to article I, to read:

Sec. 18. No Person shall be required as a condition of obtaining or continuing public sector or private sector employment to: (1) resign or refrain from membership in, voluntary affiliation with, or voluntary financial support of a labor organization; (2) become or remain a member of a labor organization; (3) pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind or amount, or provide anything else of value, to a labor organization; or (4) pay to any charity or other third party an amount equivalent to, or a portion of, dues, fees, assessments, or other charges required of members of a labor organization. An agreement, contract, understanding, or practice between a labor organization and an employer that takes force or is extended or renewed after adoption of this section and that violates this section is unlawful and unenforceable. A person who suffers an injury or a threatened injury under this section may bring a civil action for damages, injunctive relief, or both. In addition, a court shall award a prevailing plaintiff costs and reasonable attorney fees. As used in this section, “labor organization” means any agency, union, employee representation committee, or organization of any kind that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning wages, rates of pay, hours of work, other conditions of employment, or other forms of compensation. If any part of this section is found to be in conflict with the United States Constitution or federal law, the section shall be implemented to the maximum extent that the United States Constitution and federal law permit. Any provision held invalid or inoperative is severable from the remaining portions of this section.

Sec. 2. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.

The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2012 general election. The question submitted must be:

“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to guarantee all citizens the individual freedom to decide to join or not join a labor union; to remain with or leave a labor union; or to pay or not pay dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind to a labor union or any affiliated third party or charity, without having it affect their employment status?

Yes ...................

No ...................”

from http://wdoc.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/LS87/HF0065.0.pdfformatted for readability by editor, bill text unchanged

State of Minnesota

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION House File No. 65

SENATEState of Minnesota

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION seNate File No. 1714

This is called the “Freedom of Employment” amendment by the GOP, but it is nothing but a “right-to-work” bill to weaken your voice in the workplace.

How will you vote? More important, How will your Minnesota Senator and House Representative Vote?

State of Minnesota

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION House File No. 2140

SENATEState of Minnesota

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION seNate File No. 1705

No CompaNioN House Bill

No CompaNioN seNate Bill

CompaNioN House Bill HF 2140

CompaNioN seNate Bill sF 1705

A legislator who wants to escape responsibility for unpopular votes in an election year and do

an end run around the Governor will do just what is being done this year, introduce proposed amendments to the State Constitution. The three amendments being introduced would all establish losses of rights into the Constitution.

The “Freedom of Employment Act” gives the freedom to employers to pay less wages and benefits. This title is as misleading and ironic as the “right to work” label. Do citizens already have the freedom to join a union or pay dues? I would say yes. This amendment would take away what I wish our union was able to do, and that is charge a fair share. You can still be a non-member, but you have to pay a lesser amount for the union to bargain for your wages, benefits and to keep your job should management attempt to fire you. I have never believed in the race to the bottom. I think that we should try to improve the conditions for all, instead of reducing the rights of some to equal those with the least. Therefore, I believe that we should be pushing for “fair share” for federal employees. You have heard the statistics: poverty, unemployment rates and the percentage of citizens without health insurance are all higher in ʻright to workʼ states than in Minnesota. Workers are twice as likely

to be killed on the job in ʻright to workʼ states. Wages, pensions and education levels are all lower in ʻright to workʼ states. Is this what we want for Minnesota? For our families? Not me.

As a veteran I am outraged that some people would even think that a military ID is not good enough to allow a person to vote. The Voter ID amendment is trying to fix something that isnʼt a problem, while taking away the right of decent people to vote. It will make it harder if not impossible for elderly, veterans, the poor and homeless people to vote. It may be free to get the ID, but not to get the information or proof that is needed for the ID.

Lastly, do we really want to tell two people who love each other and could have been in a relationship longer than Iʼve been alive, that they can not get married because they donʼt have the correct anatomical parts.

When you educate your family and friends on the truth behind the fiscal problems of the USPS, please also discuss these amendments. Then tell the politicians to stop trying to take away rights and vote “no” on these three amendments in November.

Three Amendments - Less Rights for Citizens - Less Work for Politicians

Scott DulasMSALC Vice President

There are several “Voter ID” House and Senate Bills introduced in the current legislative session. There isn’t just one that is representative of legislation. Some have been amended as they pass through various

committes, while others have just stalled. Some bills require a Ballot referandum to change current laws

MN Voter ID Legislation

Bill No. Companion Last Action TitleHF 0089 SF 0479 1-31-11 Voter photo identification and issuance requirement; etcHF 0210 SF 0509 Vetoed Omnibus voter photo identification finance bill; The 21st Century Voting ActHF 0302 SF 0169 Vetoed Picture identification required before voter receives a ballot, etc (see SF 509)HF 1597 2-15-12 Voters required to present photographic identification, etcHF 1662 5-4-11 Voters required to present photographic identification, etcSF 1577 3-5-12 Constitutional amendment for voter presentation of government-issued

photographic identificationSF 1578 1-26-12 Constitutional amendment for voter photographic identification (photo ID)

requirement From Senate File 1577:Sec. 2. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2012 general election. If approved, the amendment is effective for elections on or after June 30, 2013. The question submitted must be:

”Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended effective June 30, 2013, to require that all in-person voters present an approved form of government-issued photographic identification at the time of voting; that those not voting in person provide government-issued proof of identity; that all voters be subject to substantially equivalent eligibility verification before a ballot is cast or counted; and that the state provide at no charge an approved photographic identification to eligible individuals?


You will find a fact sheet on page 9 of this newsletter on Senator Sander’s (I-VT) bill

S.1853 and Congressman DeFazio’s (D-OR) bill H.R. 3591, both titled “The Postal Service Protection Act”. Please read the fact sheet. “S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 are the only pieces of legislation that include all the key provisions necessary to return the Postal Service to financial health in both the short and long terms, while preserving its vital networks, high-quality service standards and solid middle-class jobs.” That quote is direct from the fact sheet and sums up what letter carriers need their legislators to do. The Senate and Congress must take action not only to help us and the Postal Service but also preserve the right of every American citizen to a “vital government service” as mandated by the constitution.

So now what? Please pick up the phone and start dialing. First call should be to Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office. Ask Amy to follow Sen. Franken’s lead. Al signed onto S.1853 last week and now we need Amy to do the same. Then ask that she rally her fellow senators to sign on too. Second call should be to Sen. Franken to let him know you appreciate his support. This phone call not only says thank you but serves notice to the senator that his constituents pay attention. The third call should be to you congressional representative. NOT ONE of Minnesota’s representatives is a co-sponsor of this bill. WHY? Please, please, call and ask your representative to sign on. I live in the 6th District which is served by Rep. Michelle Bachmann. When I spoke with her staff two weeks ago, I was told they “are looking into the issue and seeking constituent input.” I gave mine. Now you need to give your input to your representative.

After reading the fact sheet and making three phone calls, are you done? I hope you answered no. The success of those that want to eliminate the Postal Service and our jobs has been their sustained efforts and continued messaging over the long term. The “Echo Chamber” or drip drip effect of false messages (i.e.: taxpayer funded) was done to deliberately mislead the public and erode their trust in the Postal Service. NOW IT’S OUR TURN! Our “Echo Chamber” is our family, friends and social networks. Be it church, VFW, Facebook, Twitter or whatever group you associate with, you can let them know the truths surrounding the Postal Service. Our voices together are our strength. Our actions combined show our strength. Please make your voice and your action part of our cause to save our jobs, our Postal Service and our economy!

NOW IT’S OUR TURN!

Lisa O’NeillSixth Congressional District Liaison

Make the most of every opportunity to inform others of the truth.

The Signature Petition Rally was a great opportunity to inform the public of the truth about the Post Office. Our Branch, #718 Albert Lea, exceeded the “10 times our membership” request by 3 times! We did so by hard work, perseverance and making the most of every opportunity to reach out and inform friends, family and the general public of the real truth about the financial issues the Post Office is facing.

During our Signature Rallies, most people we encountered were supportive but also misinformed. I was surprised by how many people thought we were getting tax dollars or some sort of bail-out. But thanks to the helpful informational fliers provided on NALC’s web site we were able get the truth out.

Even my Dentist thought we were getting tax dollars, yah … I said every opportunity. I was prepared. I handed her a flier and she and her whole staff signed my petition.

Great Work Albert Lea

Janice M JohnsonMSALC Board Member

Busy Times Ahead!

This has been a very interesting experience the last four months since the convention. I took over as

the 7th District CDL and it has been a busy time with all of the action in Congress dealing with the situation of the US Postal Service.

I attended our local union meeting in Alexandria in January and informed members of our political battle. February is now off to a faster pace. I called Collin Peterson’s office and asked him to vote against HR 7 and HR 3813. I attended the local NARFE chapter meeting; it was very informative. I sent an e-mail to Amy Klobuchar asking her to co-sign on S1853 with Senator Franken. I called Collin Peterson’s office and talked with his secretary requesting Collin to co-sponsor Bill HR 3591.

My question: Why can’t some of our politicians use some common sense and work for the people who elected them - the everyday, ordinary guys like us??

John LeeschSeventh Congressional District Liaison

January - March 2012 www.msalc.org page 5 The Minnesota Letter Carrier

If you arenʼt currently giving to COLCPE, Iʼm asking you to sign up for automatic deductions

to COLCPE right now. Donate for one year and here is why:

I think that the fate of the USPS is hanging in the balance these days. The Postmaster General seems to think only about cutting service and raising prices. He somehow thinks that delaying mail processing and delivering only three, four or five days a week; and reducing access to Postal facilities will not drive customers away at a faster rate. I agree with Representative Defazio, the PMG should be fired.

Unfortunately we can not fire the PMG. Unfortunately we also can not fire his Area or District managers who do whatever he says, or send whatever they are told to editors of major newspapers. What we can do, however, is to contact our legislators and contribute to COLCPE.

Iʼm sure most of you know what COLCPE is. The NALC can not use union dues for political purposes or donations according to federal law. In addition to donations, COLCPE allows NALC members access to Representatives and Senators to educate them on our views, as opposed to managements misguided plans. This money is used to release letter carriers as “boots on the ground” to help elect politicians who support the NALCʼs vision of the Postal Service.

If there was ever a time we needed to get politicians to take notice and understand our point of view, it is now. Iʼm going to increase my donation because we just got a raise. If you are already giving, maybe you would consider increasing your donation.

If you are not already giving, now is the time to sign up. What is your job worth? I would ask you to sign up for $5 per pay period for active members or $5 per month for retirees. Sign up for one year, to save your job or retirement and the jobs and retirements of those around you. If the USPS goes down the tubes in the next twelve months then you wonʼt have to give anymore. If the USPS is saved, and you donʼt think that was worth it, then discontinue your COLCPE donations, but Iʼm betting that youʼll decide that preserving your income and benefits was worth the small donation.

I guess Iʼm saying, what have you got to lose...other than your job?

Please contact Lisa OʼNeill or Scott Dulas to sign up for COLCPE today!

COLCPE - itʼs now or never

COLCPE - itʼs now or never

Scott DulasMSALC Vice President

Greetings from the new 8th congressional district (almost exactly like the old 2002 8th district).

As you already know, the Senate put a six month moratorium on all closures of Post Offices and mail processing plants. Unfortunately, this comes up May 15, and the Post Office is already scheduling consolidations starting as early as May 19. The post office isn’t even going to wait for the Postal Review Commissions Network Rationalation Plan due out in late summer. Just here in Duluth, that would mean about 60 fulltime jobs at middle class wages would be gone.

You would like to think that an elected House Representative would be outraged at a government agency that provides a service to his constituents, but alas, it’s Chip Cravaack. Ironically when the Post Office held its town hall meeting about the closing of the processing plant in Duluth, Chip was doing some meet and greet at the UPS terminal also here in Duluth. Regrettably, we are not seeing much support from the Congressman who voted for the payroll tax extension bill, the one that had the increase in FERS contributions from new employees.

With that, I strongly urge you to write Senator Klobuchar to co-sponsor S.1853 (thank you Senator Franken for signing on), to really address the financial problems with the Post Office. Right now, this is our best legislative solution. As far as I’m concerned, Congress broke it, it’s about time they fixed it.

It Looks The Same From Here!

Shawn HansenMSALC Board Member

Hello, everyone! My name is Reen Alves, and I will be the MSALC Secretary for the remainder

of this term. I have been with the Postal Service since 2004, where I worked as a PTF clerk for eighteen months before being transferred to the city carrier craft at the Austin post office, Branch 717. I am now serving my second two year term as our Branch Secretary/Treasurer. I have been working closely with Troy Nelson since taking over the State Secretary position and I promise you that I will do my best to maintain the excellent job that Troy has done.

A quick reminder to all the branches, please send me a list of any deceased members. We will also be sending out the call letter around the first of July.

In solidarity,Reen AlvesMSALC Secretary

Introductions


Where Do I Live?

Every ten years the United States draws new boundary lines for government officials called

redistricting.

Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of election districts, and is done in the United States after the completion of the decennial Census. The voters who live in each district then elect individuals to represent the people of the district in a legislature or other governing body. The purpose of redistricting is to ensure that the people of each district are equally represented.

In Minnesota, the state legislature has statutory responsibility for redistricting congressional, legislative, and Metropolitan Council districts. County boards are responsible for redistricting county commissioner districts, city councils for redistricting city wards, and school boards for redistricting board member districts. In addition, cities and townships will establish (or reestablish) their precinct boundaries as part of the redistricting process, as will counties that have unorganized territory.

On February 7 Minnesota held its precinct caucuses. You were probably aware of the Senate District you

lived in and which precinct you belonged to. On Feb 21 new district lines were drawn. More likely than not you no longer live in the same district that you were in 3 weeks prior. Not only did the lines change but so did the names/numbers. If you became a delegate to you district convention congratulations. If your district has changed you may need to move. (Just kidding) But you may be contacted as to this change.

Do you know who your Congressman is now? Did you gain a good guy or lose a guy? This is important to know when the time comes to call or write your legislature. The future of the Postal Service is in the hands of Congress. The future of your job is in your hands. You can make a difference. Become an E-Activist, Carrier Core Volunteer and/or an automatic contributor to COLCPE. Let your Congress Person know your feelings about a USPS specific bill. They can’t vote the way you want them to if they don’t know which way is the correct way.

Redistricting is finalized until the next census.

1st District Congressman Tim Walz giving his opinion on redistricting says, “Redrawing

Congressional lines is about making sure Minnesotans have a voice. I am proud to serve the people of southern Minnesota and I am honored to continue serving my current constituents. I look forward to meeting our new neighbors and to the opportunity to hear from them about their hopes for our state and our country.” Congressman Walz was first elected in 2005 and has been a strong supporter of letter carrier issues during his three terms in office.

Expanding our political base – Let’s reach out – Let’s look close to home!

You may find a NARFE Chapter or labor group in your area and what better place to start building friendships with like-minded interests. These groups are already organized and many NARFE members are active and retired postal employees who know our issues and can contribute time and experience to our causes which are also their causes. Both groups can be a big help when we are looking for signatures on petitions, need people for a rally, letter writing campaign, etc.

We can also help them when they need a show of people power with many of their issues. It is a Win – Win situation for all parties. Start reaching out to expand our political base.

Connie BeisselMSALC Board Member ChairSecond Congressional District Liaison

Redistricting Congressional District One

Harold WeedFirst Congressional District Liaison

www.narfe.org

Good day to you all, there isn’t any shortage of news about the postal service in the many forms of media

that exist today. Don’t get caught up in the ‘Echo Chamber’ and shut things out. Today’s letter carrier needs to look back at the past, stay engaged in the present and plan for the future. Stay on top of the needing to communicate with your Senators and Representatives, not only on the National Level but also on the state level. Voter ID and ‘the right to work’ (be paid less and work in a less safe environment) are going to be big issues here in Minnesota. I subscribe to two interesting media organizations, one is www.moveon.org and www.change.org it certainly is an easy way to have today’s latest issues brought right to you and enable you to respond quickly and easily.

During the next coming weeks and months I will be working with the new state Secretary Reen Alves and start placing the State Convention documents on the MSALC State website. It can be found at www.msalc.org one of the first documents that will be ready will be the lodging / reservation form. If you haven’t been to a state convention, the upcoming one will certainly be interesting and informative given its close proximity to the elections the following month. Rutgers’s Resort will again host our state gathering and the food and accommodations they offer are excellent.

A new MDA fundraiser has been suggested and I will be assisting where I can to facilitate this worthwhile endeavor. It is the MSALC “PIX SIX” for an MDA CURE. The official selection of the six tickets will be explained in the ‘Austin Branch 717” scribe article which should appear in the May addition of the Postal Record. YOU NEED THE MSALC PASSWORD ‘protect6day’ to get to the ticket entry page. Simply complete the entry form by selecting 5 white tickets along with 1 hazel colored ticket. Starting with the drawing on Saturday JUNE 2nd, 2012 you can start scratching off your tickets that you have selected. As subsequent drawings are held, keep scratching off the numbers from the entry(s) that you have. Once you have all five numbers AND the HAZEL Ticket scratched off, photocopy your entry form and date it and mail it to me. The first completed entry form with all six tickets will win 49% of all money collected and the other 51% will go to MDA. If this event goes well and we have time before the next state convention, we may do it again. Each entry is $5 and the check(s) can be made out to the MSALC and write MDA POWER BALL in the memo of your check. The rules for the event are posted on the website. More information will be forthcoming. The method for the 6 ticket selection will be found in the May scribe article for Austin Branch 717 of the Postal Record.

NO EXCUSES…..Watch your deadlines for due dates for your 990s and LM 2s or LM3s. Be late once, the DOL may overlook your tardiness, be late twice will generate an admonition letter and being late a third time may generate a financial penalty. Usually the Treasurer and President

handles these forms and both are equally responsible until you can prove that the documents arrived on time at the other end. Sometimes this information can be inputted on the DOL site, whatever works best for you and those you represent.

NO EXCUSES…..Only about 10% participation on the Minnesota State Level in COLCPE…. ARE YOU KIDDING ???????? Every single letter carrier should be enrolled in automatic deductions of some kind. Believe me I have heard them all, child support, IRS levy, cuts into my drinking fund, I can’t afford it, I don’t like money going to the political party I don’t see eye to eye to, the process is way too difficult or maybe you have a son or daughter attending an expensive out of state college with no reciprocity or some other reason. Can you afford not to have your job at all, where would those things listed above matter if you didn’t have your job as a letter carrier? Start out with a small amount, say $5 a pay period and work yourself up as time goes along, you’ll never miss it but certainly the money will be put to good work. Namely, the payments to letter carriers who take LWOP and go door knocking, phone banking or work directly for a political candidate. If every one of us did this work in our off the clock time, we wouldn’t have pay carriers to work in a LWOP status.

Since I started in the Post office 28 years ago, there has been an ‘Echo Chamber’ right in my office. Management used to drag us in the swing room once a year and tell us how bad things were. Year after year after year this occurred. Sounds like the Chicken Little story don’t it? Don’t become calloused or immune to what’s going on around you stay focused.

MDA and Other Information

Troy NelsonMSALC Treasurer / Webmaster

Lots to Do

Letter carriers have a lot to think about these days. We have heard about many changes, including

mailing standards and the reduction of our work week that may start happening depending upon the decisions and actions of the United States Congress. Another issue introduced to our Minnesota legislature is the right-to-work bill. This bill would allow employers to pay lower wages and provide fewer benefits to their employees.

We all need to keep current on the issues and let our representatives from Congress and Senate know what our opinions are. A letter or phone call is a must to insure your voice is heard. This is a real threat to our future and each of our livelihoods. Don’t assume that your representatives know how you feel you need to take action to insure your voice is heard!

Joyce BellMSALC Board Member


Whose Job Is It Anyways?

I don’t have time. I have plans tonight. I have a family life. I’m retiring soon. I’m busy with my

kids. I have a life outside of work. I don’t like politics. I don’t like to phone bank. My call won’t make a difference. I don’t like to door knock. My vote doesn’t matter. I pay my union dues so let the Union do it. I don’t want to!

Believe it or not, these comments are all too familiar when trying to recruit volunteers. I could list even more but you get my point. With the events of the past six months, anyone who hasn’t made a call must be in complete denial or perhaps they still expect someone else to do the work. What will it take to motivate these folks to act in their own self interest? Will it take the loss of benefits, a cut in hours or the complete elimination of their job before they feel the need to do something?

There has been a movement in this country and around the world to end the government run postal service, instead favoring a for-profit private enterprise in its place. USPS management seems to be embracing this movement. Rather than build on the Fiscal Year 2012 first quarter profit, management is opting for the decimation of USPS infrastructure. By proposing to close more than half of the processing plants and 3700 post offices, management contends that slashing the very service we are mandated to provide will lead the USPS back to financial sustainability and future viability. Hogwash!

So who is going to do the work of telling America the truth? The NALC Legislative Department is

working hard to inform our members, the Senate, Congress and the public of the truth surrounding the Postal Service’s financial status. They guide the State Associations providing support and assistance in the art of communicating with legislators. But it will take more than NALC headquarters, State Association officers or Branch leaders to get the job done. Each and every letter carrier must pick up the phone and call their senators and representative. We must take the time to tell our family and friends that solving the Postal Service crisis won’t require the death of the USPS. Pick up a pen and write a letter to the editor of the local paper explaining the importance of the USPS to our economy, both locally and nationally. Tell your church group or volleyball team or literary club or golf buddies or whoever you hang with that your employer, the USPS, is vital to small business, the private citizen and large corporations alike. Don’t wait until it is too late to do your part. Now is the time to take action and then don’t stop spreading the message. Each and every one of our voices will create the “Echo Chamber” we need to convince Congress and the Senate that the USPS is necessary and vital to our country and our community. Please contact your legislator today and continue contacting them until they take a stand! Then keep in touch with them so they’ll know you are paying attention to what they are doing while in office.

In solidarity,Lisa O’NeillMSALC President

Fifth Congressional District Report

The last quarter of 2011, the Ellison campaign was busy trying to reach their year end goals

for fund raising and I was happy to take part in that. They are doing a great job! There have been changes with David and Julia both departing from the campaign. Ellison has a new campaign manager by the name of Will Hailer. I reached out to Will, we met and had great conversation. Will definitely has a great understanding of Postal issues, in fact one of his college roommates was an RA for the NALC.

I also had a chance to join in on Congressman Ellison’s Tele-Town Hall Meeting. This meeting gave constituents a chance to ask questions and was

informative about what’s going on in the 5th. We will see more of this style meeting in the future.

Beginning in the New Year, the campaign will be scheduling phone banks as well as preparing to caucus. Will has agreed to email me this information. I will keep you informed as information about upcoming events is received.

Respectfully submitted, Cathy BurtonFifth Congressional District Liaison


Support S. 1853 and H.R. 3591: The Postal Service Protection Act

In the 112th Congress, there have been numerous measures introduced in the House and Senate

to address the Postal Service’s financial condition and to facilitate a viable future for one of America’s most useful and popular institutions. Many of these bills have important components that will play roles in returning the Postal Service to operating as a financially sound company, while many others completely miss the mark, favoring efforts to dismantle the Postal Service rather to save it. However, S. 1853 and H.R. 3591, both titled “The Postal Service Protection Act,” are the only pieces of legislation that include all the key provisions necessary to return the Postal Service to financial health in both the short and long terms, while preserving its vital networks, high-quality service standards and solid middle-class jobs.Eliminating the future retiree health benefitpre-funding requirement

The most immediate problem facing the Postal Service is the requirement to pre-fund future retiree health benefits. The Postal Service is the only organization, public or private, that is required by law to prefund such benefits. This unfair burden costs USPS between $5.4 billion and $5.8 billion every year. Without the pre-funding requirement, the Postal Service would have had an operational profit between 2007 and 2010. If passed, S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 would eliminate the USPS’s unique and unfairly burdensome pre-funding requirement.Returning CSRS and FERS overpayments to the Postal Service

According to studies by the Office of the Inspector General and the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Postal Service has overpaid between $50 billion and $75 billion into its CSRS pension fund. S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 call for allowing the Postal Service to recover the overpayments by transferring CSRS assets, paid for by ratepayer and employee contributions (not taxpayer funds), to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund. In addition, the bill includes a proposal by President Obama to return a $10.9 billion surplus in the postal portion of the FERS pension fund as well. These measures would have no effect on any current or future federal retiree’s annuity benefits.Protecting six-day mail delivery

Since 1983, Congress has had to annually renew USPS’ requirement to maintain six-day mail delivery service in an appropriations bill. If passed, S. 1853 and H.R. 3591

The Postal Service Protection Act is the solution to the Postal Service’s financial crisis

would establish permanent legislation that requires USPS to deliver mail six days a week.

Establishing new revenue for the Postal ServiceS. 1853 and H.R. 3591 call for an end to prohibiting

USPS from providing non-postal services. New services could include notary services, the issuance of licenses, the provision of services for state and local agencies and the shipping of wine and beer. Other countries have had success with non-postal services. Post offices in France offer banking and insurance services; in Sweden, post offices physically deliver e-mail messages to people who are not online; and post offices in Switzerland allow users to have their physical mail received, scanned and delivered to their e-mail inboxes.

These bills also would create a blue-ribbon commission composed of entrepreneurs, representatives of labor and small businesses to provide recommendations on how the Postal Service can generate new revenue to succeed in the 21st century.Preventing the closure of rural post offices

Currently, the Postal Service is directed to consider the effects of closures on the community and postal employees before closing a post office. Up to this point, USPS has done a poor job reviewing these impacts. If passed, S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 would give the Postal Regulatory Commission binding authority to prevent post office closures that would adversely affect communities and employees. USPS also would be prohibited from considering whether a post office is turning a profit when making closure decisions. And USPS would be required to inform communities though newspaper and magazine announcements when their post offices were being studied for closure. Those announcements would need to outline the reasons for such studies.Protecting mail-processing facilities

S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 call for creating strict standards for delivering First Class Mail on time. This would make it more difficult to close area mail-processing facilities.

S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 provide reasonable, fair and responsible ways to address the Postal Service and its immediate and long-term health and viability. The NALC urges members of Congress to stand up for preserving this vital government service by co-sponsoring S. 1853 and H.R. 3591 today.


Washington, DC Office:302 Hart Senate Office BldgWashington, DC 20510phone: 202-224-3244fax: 202-228-2186

Metro Office:1200 Washington Ave S,Ste 250Minneapolis, MN 55415Main Line: 612-727-5220Main Fax: 612-727-5223

Southern Office:1130 1/2 7th St NW Ste 208Rochester, MN 55901Main Line: 507-288-5321Fax: 507-288-2922

Minnesota Senator Amy KlobucharNorthwestern & Central Office121 4th Street SouthMoorhead, MN 56560Main Line: 218-287-2219Fax: 218-287-2930

Northeastern Office:Olcott Plaza, Suite 105820 9th Street NorthVirginia, MN 55792Main Line: 218-741-9690Fax: 218-741-3692

Toll Free Number:1-888-224-9043

Web site:http://klobuchar.senate.gov/

Minnesota Senator Al FrankenWashington, DC Office: 309 Hart Senate Office BldgWashington, DC 20510(202) 224-5641

Saint Paul Office:60 East Plato Blvd, Suite 220 Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 221-1016

Duluth Office:515 W 1st St, Suite 104Duluth, MN 55802(218) 722-2390

Saint Cloud Office:916 W St. Germain St, Ste 110Saint Cloud, MN 56301(320) 251-2721

Saint Peter Office:208 S Minnesota Ave, Suite 6Saint Peter, MN 56082(507) 931-5813

NW Mobile Office:Valerie GravsethNW Field Representative(218) 230-9487

Fax: (202) 224-0044

TTY: (651) 221-1082

Web sitehttp://franken.senate.gov/

Washington, DC Office:1714 Longworth HOBWashington, DC 20515phone: (202) 225-6631fax: (202) 225-1968

Fourth Congressional DistrictCongresswoman Betty McCollum

Minnesota Office:165 Western Ave N, Suite 17St. Paul, MN 55102phone: (651) 224-9191fax: (651) 224-3056

Web site: http://mccollum.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:1722 Longworth HOB Washington DC 20515-2301Phone: (202) 225-24721-877-TIM WALZ (846-9259)

First Congressional DistrictCongressman Timothy J. Walz

Minnesota Office:1130 1/2 7th St NW, Suite 208Rochester, MN 55901Phone: 507-206-0643

Web site: http://walz.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:2439 Rayburn HOB Washington DC 20515-2302Phone: (202) 225-22711-888-808-6644

Second Congressional DistrictCongressman John Kline

Minnesota Office: 101 W Burnsville Pky, Ste 201Burnsville, MN 55337Phone: (952) 808-1213Fax: (952) 808-1261

Web site: http://kline.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:127 Cannon HOB Washington DC 20515-2303Phone: (202) 225-2871

Third Congressional DistrictCongressman Erik Paulsen

Minnesota Office:250 Prairie Center Dr, Ste 230Eden Prairie, MN 55344Phone: (952) 405-8510Fax: (952) 405-8514

Web site: http://paulsen.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:508 Cannon HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-6211Fax: (202) 225-0699

Eighth Congressional DistrictCongressman Chip Cravaack

Minnesota Office:6448 Main Street, Suite 6North Branch, MN 55056Phone: (651) 237-82201-888-563-7390

Web site: http://cravaack.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:2211 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515phone: (202) 225-2165fax: (202) 225-1593

Seventh Congressional DistrictCongressman Collin Peterson

Minnesota Office:714 Lake Avenue, Suite 107Detroit Lakes, MN 56501(218) 847-5056 note: 1 of 6 MN offices

Web site: http://collinpeterson.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:103 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475

Sixth Congressional DistrictCongresswoman Michele Bachmann

Minnesota Office:110 2nd Street S, Suite 232 Waite Park, MN 56387 Phone: 320-253-5931 Fax: 320-240-6905

Web site: http://bachmann.house.gov/

Washington, DC Office:1027 Longworth BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-4755Fax Number: 202-225-4886

Fifth Congressional DistrictCongressman Keith Ellison

Minnesota Office:2100 Plymouth Avenue NMinneapolis, MN 55411Phone: (612) 522-1212Fax Number: 612-522-9915

Web site: http://ellison.house.gov/


MSALC OFFICERS and LIAISONS 2011 - 2014PresidentLisa O’Neill - Branch 91865 North Ham Lake Dr NEAndover, MN 55304-5625763-957-0395 (C)763-755-9797 (W)[email protected]

Vice PresidentScott Dulas - Branch 1145311 Greenwood RdDuluth, MN 55804218-260-8976 (C)218-624-1351 (H)[email protected]

SecretaryReen Alves - Branch 717PO Box 455Austin, MN 55912-0455507-440-6544 (C)[email protected]

TreasurerTroy Nelson - Branch 717PO Box 1061Austin, MN 55912-1061507-279-9299 (C)507-396-4489 (F)[email protected]

Director of RetireesCheryl Stately - Branch 92408 1/2 Central Ave NE, #1Minneapolis, MN 55418763-232-4870 (C)612-788-0960 (H)

EditorJames J Borowske - Branch 284146 Goodwin Ave NOakdale, MN 55128651-770-3667 (H)651-770-2919 (W)[email protected]

MSALC Executive BoardChairConnie Beissel - Branch 9PO Box 152Vermillion, MN 55085-0152651-336-6248 (C)952-890-2274 (W)[email protected]

Janice Johnson - Branch 71850268 180th AveScarville, IA 50473507-383-2873 (C)641-568-3043 (H)507-373-3167 (W)[email protected]

Joyce Bell - Branch 3881940 West Highview DrSauk Rapids, MN 56379320-248-0851 (C)320-253-9055 (H)320-251-3876 (W)[email protected]

Melissa Kmett - Branch 86414368 Cottage Grove DrBaxter, MN 56425218-839-1412 (C)218-829-3101 (W)[email protected]

Shawn Hansen - Branch 1144401 Jay StDuluth, MN 55804218-310-0458 (C)218-728-3823 (H)[email protected]

AFL-CIO Delegates:Connie Beissel - Branch 9

Perry B Schmidt - Branch 287071 Upper 17th St NSaint Paul, MN 55128651-245-9696 (C)651-797-4904 (H)[email protected]

Congressional District Liaisons

District 1 CDLHarold Weed - Branch 901519 Pleasant View DrNorth Mankato, MN 56003507-779-6444 (C)507-388-7779 (H)[email protected]

District 2 CDLConnie Beissel - Branch 9

District 3 CDL - vacant -

District 4 CDL - vacant -

District 5 CDLCatherine Burton - Branch 92650 Irving Ave NMinneapolis, MN 55411612-239-3276 (C)612-825-7647 (W)

District 6 CDLLisa O’Neill - Branch 9

District 7 CDLJohn Leesch - Branch 21201811 Timber Lane NEAlexandria, MN 56308320-815-1302 (C)320-763-3644 (H)[email protected]

District 8 CDLScott Dulas - Branch 114

President - vacant -

Vice President / TreasurerAlice Weed1519 Pleasant View DriveNorth Mankato, MN 56003507-388-7779

Secretary / State OrganizerLee Anne Garhofer1759 Ames PlaceSt Paul, MN 55106651-778-9660

MSALC Auxiliary Officers

AFL-CIO Retiree Delegates

Barry Weiner - Branch 97004 W 84th St CirBloomington, MN 55438952-240-3905 (C)952-944-9619 (H)[email protected]

Cheryl Stately - Branch 9


The Minnesota Letter CarrierMinnesota State Association of Letter Carriers4146 Goodwin Ave NOakdale, MN 55128

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAIDTWIN CITIES, MN

PERMIT #32308

Wages and IncomenManufacturing workers in 16 of the 22 states with these laws earn less, on average, than manufacturing workers here in Minnesota. In 2009, the average manufacturing worker in Minnesota was paid $18.60 per hour, $1.80 more than the average manufacturing worker in “right to work” states.

pThe average manufacturing worker here in Minnesota earns signifi cantly more than the average manufacturing workers in some states with these laws, such as Arkansas ($4.53 more), Mississippi ($3.96 more), Oklahoma ($3.84 more), Tennessee ($3.87 more) and South Dakota ($3.78 more).

nHere in Minnesota, we also have higher pay than people in 20 of the 22 “right to work” states. On average, we earned $6,150 more in 2009 than workers in states with these laws.

pWe earned $10,000 more than people in some “right to work” states, including South Dakota and Mississippi.

nMedian income here in Minnesota is $9,762 higher than the average median income in states with “right to work” for less laws.

nIn Minnesota, we also have a larger share of good jobs that pay well than states with these laws. Jobs in “right to work” states are 84 percent more likely to be in low-wage occupations than jobs in our state.

Anti-worker and business-backed groups are pushing to pass a so-called “right to work” law here in Minnesota. Supporters claim these laws create economic prosperity, but many different measures show that Minnesota’s working families are better off than working families in states with “right to work” for less laws.

Compare Minnesota with states that have so-called “right to work” laws. You’ll see why we’re better off without one.

Safety and HealthnWorkplaces in “right to work” states are more dangerous. Workers in “right to work” states also are more than twice as likely to be killed on the job as workers here in Minnesota. In 2008, the fatal occupational injury rate for our state was 2.4 (per every 100,000 workers), compared with an average of 5.4 in states with “right to work” for less laws.

pWhen workers do get hurt on the job in “right to work” states, the average maximum weekly benefit is $163 (21.7 percent) lower than in Minnesota.

Health CarenPeople in “right to work” states are more likely to lack health insurance than here in Minnesota. On average, people in states with these laws were 89.5 percent more likely to be uninsured in 2009 than we were.

p8.8 percent of Minnesotans were uninsured in 2009, compared with an average of 16.7 percent of “right to work” for less state residents. In the “right to work” state of Florida, 22.4 percent of people are uninsured. And 26.1 percent of people are uninsured in fellow “right to work” state Texas.

nChildren in “right to work” states are 88.4 percent more likely to be uninsured than our children. On average, 10.4 percent of children are uninsured in states with “right to work” for less laws, compared with 5.5 percent here in Minnesota.

The Truth about ‘Right to Work’ for Lessan abridged flyer by the AFL-CIO (from a Teamster’s website)

go to http://www.teamstersjc32.org/RTW4L/RTW-fact-MN.pdf for the complete flyer

minnesota state association of letter carriers the minnesota

Documents