215-217 AREA VP
STATE EDITOR
MARY PROLA
MDLeaguePM@gmail.com
410-733-9873
PRESIDENT MARY KEARNEY PostalMare@hotmail.com
443-994-0922
MD League of Postmasters
SECRETARY TREASURER
ROBIN DAVIS Rmalinm@gmail.com
410-980-2219
AREA VP
LINDA TAYLOR
PostLady24@yahoo.com
410-430-4989
AREA VP
MARY WALLS Marylouwalls62@yahoo.com
301-259-2527
POSTMASTERS HELPING POSTMASTERS
LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
SAVE OUR POST OFFICES
Dates for Maryland State League Convention May 6-7, 2012
ATLANTIC CITY NJ
January 20, 2012
Mark Strong, President
League Members,
The LEAGUE is preparing for its 42nd Legislative Forum January 29-31. Timing could not be better as the House returned to the Hill this week from its holiday break and the Senate returns next week. Depending on who you talk to, there are over 20 bills having to do with post office legislation pending and many feel that postal legislation will take a front seat during this session of Congress.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) had an editorial Thursday that spoke of the need to act quickly to save the Postal Service from its current financial death spiral. Sen. Collins said, "The situation is dire, but not hopeless. With the right tools and action from Congress and the Obama Administration, the Postal Service can reform, right-size and modernize."
Senate Bill 1739, The 21st Century Postal Service Act, introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Scott Brown (R-MA) and Sen. Collins has been approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments. This bill is rumored to be headed for a floor vote in the Senate in early February. It is likely that more amendments could take place during the floor vote. The LEAGUE is watching this bill closely and meeting with members of Congress to offer suggestions on possible amendments.
It is clear that the post office issues are coming to a head and this legislative session could bring changes in law that will impact every stakeholder in this country. The Postal Service is still a trillion dollar impact to the country's economy and employs some 7 million private citizens. It is our hope that our elected officials consider the important role the Postal Service has played and will continue to play to all Americans and that universal service does not fall victim to the unnecessary cuts in service.
On another note, LEAGUE and NAPUS continue to meet with Postal Headquarters on the 2011-2015 pay package. On January 11, 2012 LEAGUE President Mark Strong and NAPUS President Bob Rapoza met again with Labor and Compensations managers to discuss pay and benefit proposals to try and find a possible solution to our differences. NAPUS and the LEAGUE agreed to an extension to the pay talks until January 27, 2012. It is our hope that we can agree on a proposal that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.
This week LEAGUE, NAPUS and NAPS met with Labor managers to provide input into possible changes to part 650 of the ELM. This portion of the ELM deals with discipline, the use of mediators and appeal rights for non-bargaining unit employees. The meeting provided a lot of thoughtful input on ways we could improve the process and create an environment that is more positive to all parties involved. Decisions on any possible revisions will be made soon.
Mark Strong
President
National League of Postmasters
109th National League of Postmasters Convention
July 29 - August 2, 2012
Walt Disney World Swan Resort
1200 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Reservations: 1-800-227-1500
Great Room Rates: Rates at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort are $119 single/double plus tax which is currently 12.5%. Extra person charge, $25 per night. Children under 18 years of age may stay for free in their parents’ room using existing bedding.
We did not have a great response in Maryland and New Jersey attended our convention in Annapolis 2011 so we have decided to hold a MD/NJ joint convention this year. It will be held in Atlantic City, NJ, May 6th and 7th. Sunday May 6th is when we will have our State meeting and elections and Monday will be guest speakers. The Tropicana is where it will be @ $75.00 a night for Sat & Sun and prices are subject to any discounts you may be able to get. Lunch will be provided for all on Monday and the registration fee is minimal. More information coming soon!!
