| reaDER, If you thought Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's war on the USPS was over, think again! Yesterday, DeJoy introduced a new 10-year plan that will slow down mail while increasing rates―further undermining the Postal Service.
DeJoy could be on his way out the door if President Biden's nominees to the USPS Board of Governors are confirmed and tilt the balance in favor of DeJoy's removal. But he could still leave a trail of destruction in his wake if his new 10-year plan is implemented.
DeJoy, a former logistics executive who last year tussled with a federal judge about mail delays, proposes to "solve" the problem by drastically lowering standards for on-time delivery. Buried in his 10-year plan is a proposal to slow some two-day mail to three-day delivery, and some three-day mail to four- or even five-day delivery! Nearly 40% of first-class mail would be affected. He would also charge more for this reduced service, while reducing post office hours.
This flies in the face of recommendations by Postal Service advocates who recommend expanding services to increase revenue and meet unmet needs. One idea getting traction in Congress, known as Postal Banking, is offering check cashing and other basic financial services to people who currently fall prey to payday and other predatory lenders.
EPI is providing the Biden administration and Congress with the research and data necessary to defend the USPS from these relentless attacks and expand the Postal Service's offerings for the public good, not diminished by special interests.
By expanding the USPS's mission, we can increase revenues and continue to provide good jobs for workers, particularly Black workers, workers without bachelor's degrees, and military veterans who especially benefit from Postal Service employment.
reaDER, chip in $5 or more to EPI today to defend the USPS from Louis DeJoy, to expand its mission to include Postal Banking and protect millions of good-paying jobs.
"DeJoy may need to be reminded that he serves the public," says Monique Morrissey, an EPI economist who has done extensive research into the USPS, including on DeJoy's war on the Postal Service.
The social value of the Postal Service extends beyond the economic benefits provided by its delivery operations. The USPS connects our communities, fosters democracy, and is a key part of our emergency and national security infrastructure. It has operated without interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and other national catastrophes.
Donate $5 or more today to help us use our research to inform the public and policymakers looking to defend the USPS from Louis DeJoy's attacks―and expand its mission to include Postal Banking so this critical resource can prosper throughout the 21st century. | 
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