RUSH WORKS TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF POSTAL SERVICE IN DISTRICT; URGES CITIZENS TO VOICE THEIR CONCERNS

CHICAGO - U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) addressed constituent concerns about a U.S. Postal Service plan to close hundreds of facilities across the country as part of a major reorganization. At least four facilities in his congressional district -- 1510 E. 55th Street, 60615; 7715 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, 60619; 956 E. 58th Street, 60637; and, 10238 S. Vincennes Avenue, 60643--are under review.

"I am working to keep as postal services assessable to all of my constituents and to ensure there is a continuity of service,” said Rush. "Citizens have 60 days to respond to a notice of closure or consolidation. It is important that citizens let their voices be heard so communities are not adversely impacted by this."

The Postal Service is projecting a loss of $7.1 billion for FY2009. The agency has seen a decline of mail over the last few years and is estimated that 38 billion less pieces of mail will be sent in 2009 compared to 2007 numbers. Reportedly, most of the post offices that would be consolidated or closed down are located in urban or suburban population centers. The plan also calls for closing airport mail facilities, consolidating bulk mail centers and streamlining the computer software that maps postal routes. The closures could lead to the elimination of hundreds of jobs and more outsourcing.

Postal officials sent a list of nearly 700 potential candidates for closing or consolidation to the independent Postal Regulatory Commission for review. No changes are expected before the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. There are 32,741 post offices. More may be added, but the current list of candidates can be viewed at the commission's web site, www.prc.gov or visit Congressman Rush’s website at www.house.gov/rush.

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