Illinois Postmaster News UPDATE
The IPN is currently at press, and will be out in a few weeks.
It is a special double issue, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of IL NAPUS Chapter 6.
On May 3rd, I was appointed your new editor. Several of you mentioned things you wanted to see in the IPN---the most common request being to add a little color. Because of the event of our 100th anniversary, President Morrie requested a very special issue. It took a little extra time, and the color printing takes longer than usual, but we think it will be worth it! Thank you for your patience.
Future issues won't be quite this elaborate, so we should be back on schedule.
The August issue will be coming out soon too, so please submit all articles, pictures, etc. to me before July 10th. I'm already working on that issue, in preparation for our National Convention Sept 12-17th in Alaska. I would like to have that issue to press before July 15th so you can receive it in plenty of time before convention.
I am really looking forward to being your new IPN editor, as well as your webmaster!
THANK YOU! :)
Sara
Presidential Note
The following is a copy of the speech Morrie presented to the League and NAPS groups at their state conventions this year. He thought it would also give our NAPUS members some good information as well.
Good Morning Everyone!
Thank you for the invitation to address your membership on behalf of the Illinois Chapter of NAPUS. Our organizations have much in common, which is reflected in the joint efforts between the national officers of the League, NAPUS, and NAPS, who strive to present a unified voice for postal managers to Congress and postal executives. As you are aware, this is a crucial time for the U. S. Postal Service and our nation. Many rapid changes have been enacted, with after-effects that will affect not only our employment, but our retirement as well. The purpose of my message is to inform you of current legislation that is being considered in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, so that you can take action to influence the decisions which will affect your life.
The first item I’d like to review is H.R. 22, which is an amendment to the current legislation requiring the Postal Service to pre-fund its Retirement Health Trust Fund. As it stands now, the USPS is required to deposit over $5 billion per year into the trust fund to cover both present and future health care obligations on behalf of current employees and eventual retirees. The USPS is seeking to pay its share of current employee health premiums from the trust fund, rather than from the operating budget, which would save approximately $2.8 billion per year. This measure would not incur any governmental costs, nor would any taxpayer funds be used. Many members of Congress support this bill, but more support is needed. Contact the local office of your Congressman to solicit his/her support.
Another bill pending before Congress is H.R. 958, which would equalize the manner in which unused sick leave is credited for FERS employees upon retirement, as is already available to Civil Service retirees. The specifics of this action are still being discussed, but it is important that your representatives know that you support this action, so that it will progress to presentation on the floor. Under the current system, it is expected that the “FERS-flu” which will affect many employees nearing retirement will cost the government an estimated $68 million/year in productivity losses. Passage of this bill will enable postal managers to better administer work schedules, save many costs for the USPS, and treat FERS and CSRS employees equitably.
Our current retirees also need our voices to help support measures that are important to them. Although bills have not been introduced yet, discussion is taking place regarding allowing the USPS to apply for a Medicare Part D subsidy, which would enable employers (such as the Postal Service) who provide drug benefits which are equivalent or better than Medicare to claim a rebate for each participant who is eligible, amounting to around $600 per person. Another action currently under consideration is H.R. 235 and S. 484, the Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals both the Government Pension Offset rule and the Windfall Elimination Provision. This bill eliminates the opportunities to discount social security benefits for retirees or their spouses.
Morrie
"Let us do together what we cannot do alone"
My objective is to make this an interactive site that will be utilized by all the members of IL NAPUS. I encourage your comments and suggestions, pictures, and anything else you might want to include. The site will continue to grow into what I hope will be a useful tool for information about our organization. I also hope to make it a favorite place you'll want to visit frequently. Enjoy!