“Do or Die” Time for Postal Reform in 113th Congress

Lobbyist Update

As we enter the spring and prepare for election season to ramp-up, now is “do or die” time for postal reform in the 113th Congress. As we know from our previous endeavors, if Congress fails to act before the 114th Congress is sworn in this January, the process of postal reform will start over in both Chambers.

That being said, we are beginning to see some movement in the House of Representatives with staff briefing leadership and members on the various provisions and plans in the Postal Reform Act.

USPS Increases Postage, Package Rates

Tip of the Month

On January 26, the U.S. Postal Service will institute changes in mail service pricing, including a 3-cent increase on stamps from $0.46 to $0.49 for First Class letters (1 oz.), as well as a 1-cent increase on each additional ounce from $0.20 to $0.21.   Postcard rates will increase by 1 cent to $0.34 from…

Postal Reform Measures Included in 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill

Lobbyist Update

Although comprehensive postal reform has yet to move forward, leaders in the House and Senate chose to include some restrictions on the Postal Service in the recently passed “omnibus” spending bill that will fund the government through September of 2014.

The $1.1T (yes, that’s a T for Trillion!) federal spending bill ended up 1,582 pages long and contained two policy restrictions on the USPS. Page 541 of the bill bars the USPS from discontinuing Saturday delivery as well as restricting the closure of rural post offices.

UPDATE: CBRE Commission

Tip of the Month

If the CBRE agent is a transaction specialist or a transaction manager, it is likely he/she is not a licensed real estate agent in the state where your post office is located. So, after doing your homework to discover the fair market value of your building and knowing what rent you are willing to accept,…

USPS Moves Out of Your Building: What are Your Options Now?

News

In its efforts to cut costs, USPS officials announced their desire to close 3,600 post offices in July 2011 and to eventually close up to 15,000 buildings nationwide, along with half their mail processing centers. Postal lessors and customers fought back and in December 2011, USPS agreed to a six-month moratorium on closings, which ended…

Protect Yourself When Renewing Your Lease

Tip of the Month

By AUSPL Board Member John Heeren It’s important when dealing with the USPS or CBRE for lease renewals that you use simple and professional techniques to protect yourself and your investments. Here are a few really easy steps you can take for a successful lease extension. 1. Measure Your Building: Often when we measure the…