[Filed with Secretary of State September 18, 2015.]
SJR 11, Leyva. United States Postal Service.
This measure would urge the United States Congress to require the United States Postal Service to take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012, would urge Congress to place a moratorium on planned shutdowns of mail sorting centers, and would urge Congress to oppose any postal reform legislation that does not continue the mandate for 6-day delivery service or protect door-to-door delivery as it currently exists. The measure would also urge the Secretary of State to publicly oppose changes in the United States Postal Service that negatively impact the rights of California voters who vote by an absentee ballot.
WHEREAS, On January 5, 2015, the United States Postal Service implemented lower “service standards” to virtually eliminate overnight delivery of first class mail and periodicals, and further delay most other mail; and
WHEREAS, Delayed mail negatively impacts businesses, hurts residents, communities, and the economy, and drives customers away, resulting in lower revenue and damaging the financial situation of the United States Postal Service; and
WHEREAS, Robust service standards implemented by the United States Postal Service are essential to providing prompt and timely delivery of all mail, including online purchases, local newspapers, newsletters, bill payments, letters, invitations, packages, and medicines; and
WHEREAS, Planned shutdowns of mail sorting centers would seriously affect hundreds of employees, over 22 percent of whom are United States military veterans, many with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, At least one of these mail sorting facilities, located in Eureka, California, is planning on shifting its mail distribution, including absentee ballots, to Oregon, which contradicts the obligation of the United States Postal Service to protect voting by mail throughout California, which is now commonplace and will remain essential to our democracy; and
WHEREAS, The United States Postal Service has the authority to reinstate overnight delivery standards to hasten mail delivery and prevent shutdowns of mail sorting centers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the United States Congress to require the United States Postal Service to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012, and place a moratorium on planned shutdowns of mail sorting centers, and further urges the United States Congress to oppose any postal reform legislation that does not continue the mandate for six-day delivery service or does not protect door-to-door delivery as it currently exists; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature urges the Secretary of State to publicly oppose changes in the United States Postal Service that negatively impact the rights of California voters who vote by an absentee ballot; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States, to the Secretary of State, to the United States Postmaster General, and to the author for appropriate distribution.
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