PRINTING United Alliance Applauds Introduction of the USPS SERVES US Act
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Oct 4, 2024

Recognizing that Congress needed to intervene to save the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS-2) introduced the USPS Services Enhancement and Regulatory Viability Expansion and Sustainability for the U.S. Act (USPS SERVES US Act, H.R. 9839) on September 25, 2024. 

For the past several years, USPS has raised postage rates twice each year at amounts far above inflation. At the same time service performance has significantly declined. The legislation would empower the USPS regulators (the Postal Regulatory Commission, or PRC) to stop USPS decisions that are hurting its ability to serve the American people and driving it into financial ruin.  

While the PRC approved the July 2024 rate hike, the Commission stated that the increase was not “prudent...or consistent with the best interests of all stakeholders.” The PRC claimed it lacked the statutory authority to reject the proposed rate hike. This legislation would give teeth to the PRC.  

PRINTING United Alliance advocated for the legislation, which includes all of the recommended provisions suggested by our coalition partners, Keep US Posted and the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service. 

Key provisions of the USPS SERVES US Act include: 

  • Annual Rate Increase Limit: Limits USPS to one rate increase per year, avoiding unnecessary implementation costs and providing greater rate predictability. 

  • X-Factor Rate Reduction: Implements an X-factor reducing rate authority, a widely utilized tool to ensure cost discipline, if USPS productivity is not improved each year. 

  • Price Cap Protection: Prohibits the PRC from creating a rate system with no price cap ultimately preserving the trade-off between pricing flexibility and rate predictability. 

  • “Underwater Surcharge” Limitation: Caps surcharges if service performance and cost efficiency are not maintained for the relevant products. 

  • Volume Growth Objective: Creates a new volume encouraging objective for evaluating rate increases and requires the PRC to apply each objective for rate setting in every proceeding. 

  • Independent Volume Model: Requires the PRC to develop its own volume estimation model independent of the USPS. 

  • Service Accountability: Holds the USPS accountable for service performance by reducing rate authority if it fails to meet established service targets and makes PRC nature of service evaluations binding decisions, not just advisory opinions. 

  • Customer Advocate Office: Establishes an autonomous Office of Customer Advocate within the PRC, with the authority to represent customer concerns and initiate proceedings on their behalf. 

  • Complaint Resolution: Streamlines PRC consideration of complaints and empowers the PRC to reduce rates for affected authorities if it finds a rate is unlawful. 

  • Financial Health Consideration: Mandates arbitrations in USPS-Union contract disputes to consider the financial health of the USPS. 

  • Retirement Fund Investments: Authorizes USPS to invest retirement assets in private index funds such as those used by the Thrift Savings Fund. 

The legislation gives the PRC a clear mandate to protect the public interest and ensure that the USPS maintains service quality at a predictable, fair and affordable price for the mailing industry and all USPS customers. 

The Alliance encourages you to take a moment to send an email to your representative and encourage them to cosponsor and support the USPS SERVES US Act. As a key delivery channel for print and packages, we need your collective voice to ensure an affordable and reliable U.S. Postal Service.  

TAKE ACTION 

 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the USPS SERVES US Act. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.  

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.     


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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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