Congratulations - HR 22 Passes!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a sincere and heart felt Thank You for all your hard work, determination and tenacity in the League's campaign to secure financial relief for the Postal Service. Today Sept 15th just after 1pm EST the House passed the amended version of HR 22 bringing us one step closer.

It is because of every single one of YOU, our dedicated members who called, faxed, emailed, wrote, and/or visited their Representatives (either in DC or within their own Districts), that led to this action. Everyone single one of YOU shares in the credit for this effort. Whether one may have just sent a single email or, they were the one that led a coordinated effort for their state's Co-Sponsorship, every level of participation was needed and is very much appreciated.

And while it is true many Postal groups took part in the support of HR 22, it was the LEAGUE that was and remains the vanguard for this bill. League was FIRST on the HILL to bring this to Congress, with daily follow up (not occasional, or even weekly ) but regular and ongoing Congressional Co-Sponsorship updates. Some members even experienced intimidation in the face of seeking support. President Mapa calmed this controversy and demonstrated his leadership in standing up for Postmasters.

What I want to emphasize the most in this message is the appreciation to all of YOU for your work on HR 22. One has only to look in the mirror to see the individual who shares in the accomplishment of this major step forward for Postal Service financial relief. YOU are the ones who can take pride in making a difference for not only Postmasters but all postal employees.

To recap this is a stop gap measure:
This is not a full version but an amended HR 22 reducing the term to a 1 year fix. The 1 year fix covers only FY 2009. The October 1st, 2009 payment will be reduced from $5.4 Billion to $1.4 Billion. The reasoning behind this "stop gap" is to prevent the very same scoring that has prevented a full version of HR 22 from passing. It goes without saying that alone this will neither save nor provide long term relief, but it does give us another year to secure any extension and/or pursue other measures.

Yes, the fight will continue with the Senate, but the House Committee that brought this amended HR 22 has stated it will hold hard and fast to this amended version to sidestep any poison pill attachments the likes of which has sullied S 1507.

I also would like to bring up to everyone one very important point. HR 22 was not only an accomplishment for our efforts to obtain Postal Service financial relief, but indeed a vehicle for our future Legislative efforts. We have developed a very strong grassroots network through our League fellowship. From beginning with our New Hampshire anti-"Do Not Mail" efforts to today's passage of an amended HR 22, the League has demonstrated we can "pull the trigger" when called upon. Continuing to build upon this foundation, this will serve us very well on our future Legislative issues. We are a unified force that can and will make the difference.

Those who know me also know that I am not opposed to "borrowing" from what is successful and adapting it for the good of the organization. No matter what your political affiliation one must objectively admit that community activism has accomplish amazing results recently. The League can adapt the best of this operational "model". In light of HR 22 we honestly say "Yes We Can". And for our future efforts "Yes We Will" !

Again, THANK YOU and until better rewarded, please know YOU are appreciated for everything you do. Please pass this on to all your network of Postmasters, Retirees, Auxiliary and Associate members.

Sincerely,
Bill Krejci on behalf of the entire membership of The National League of Postmasters.

email the webmaster with questions