The U.S. Postal Service, which has suffered chronic losses year after year, saw costs again outpace income in 2015 as higher benefits expenses and more labor-intensive shipping and package business ate away at adjusted profit. The agency posted so-called controllable income of $1.2 billion for the year, down from $1.4 billion in 2014. Controllable income excludes a $5.7 billion government-mandated payment for retirement benefits, among other costs. Meanwhile, controllable operating expenses climbed by $1.3 billion to reach $67.6 billion, reflecting what the agency called “substantial financial pressure that demonstrates the need for legislative reform.” According to Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan, any business growth and operational efficiencies won't be enough without “the enactment of legislation that makes our retiree health-benefit system affordable and that provides increased pricing and product flexibility.” For the 2015 fiscal year, the Postal Service recorded a net loss of $5.1 billion, compared with a loss of $5.5 billion in 2014. The agency reported revenue this year of $68.9 billion, up from $67.8 billion. Operating expenses inched up 0.9% to $73.8 billion. For the year, the Postal Service had total mail volume of 154.2 billion pieces, down from 155.5 billion last year. While shipping and package volume climbed 14%, bringing with it added labor costs, first-class mail and standard mail volume fell by 2.2% and 0.3% respectively. In seeking to keep pace with the digital era, the postal service has been relying increasingly on its package business as e-commerce takes off. Looking ahead, the postal service expects added pressure on results with the slated rollback of an exigent surcharge that has provided an estimated $3.5 billion in revenue since its inception. Last month, the agency said it would seek to increase its commercial-package shipping prices by an average of 9.5% and by double digits for its bread-and-butter business of shipping packages weighing less than a pound. The highest price increases have been requested to start in mid-January for packages that weigh under a pound, including for Parcel Select products, which are used by United Parcel Service, FedEx and Amazon.com Inc. Those companies drop packages off at the local post office, then trucks deliver the packages to residential doorsteps. Average revenue for USPS on these is about $1.74.
"Those that think they know everything are annoying those of us that have Google." - Dr. D. Edward Wilkinson
Note to self: Never ask an old Fogey how he is doing today. Revised note to self: Keep it short when someone asks how I am doing.
I see you never answered my question, but you might want to take a look at what % of the budget goes to MILITARY pensions.
Beside the fact, I as a veteran probably have paid (and continue to pay) more in taxes than most probably make (as compared to the Median US income),not to mention owning more than one property, your remarks are obvious to me that you have no idea the price of freedom is a value the protected (YOU) shall never know.
Honestly do not have time to compare shoe sizes.
And, how does your PATRIOmeter operate? Gotta get one of those.
Who suggests cutting military pensions? The goal is a balanced budget, where politicians cannot buy votes with money borrowed in other's names.
In my rather limited experience, folks that 'desire' being perceived as wealthy......aren't always. If I had a nickel every time I heard the 'country clubbers' complaining about their kids' student loans....
Their club membership is more important than paying for their child's education. Ripe pickin's for the student-loan forgiveness candidate.
My suggestion would be......if you're all that.....forego your government check(s), for the good of the country.
You just want to take away our right to vote. I did not write the post below, you did!
Originally Posted by MIKEWERNER
Originally Posted by ltppowell
In five words.
"No income tax? No vote."
I'd take it one step further. If you get a check from government, no vote.
No government employee will ever vote for a 'balanced budget' candidate.
LOL !!!
"Mikewerner" you are a never ending source of material!!!!
During the last days of BushII admin., they sent out a special "Tax refund" check trying to stimulate the economy. Many of the workers at our clinic where curious as to why they didn't get a check. I asked them how much income tax they paid. They thought it unfair they didn't get the "refund" if they didn't pay income tax.
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.
During the last days of BushII admin., they sent out a special "Tax refund" check trying to stimulate the economy. Many of the workers at our clinic where curious as to why they didn't get a check. I asked them how much income tax they paid. They thought it unfair they didn't get the "refund" if they didn't pay income tax.
them checks bought me more than a few guns
800 to 1200 total IIRC. Cant remember what it got spent it on. Wife probably got her dikbeaters on most of it anyways. LOL!!! That was the year I retired from the Army. Didnt take terminal leave. Cashed in 78 days at finance on Sept 1 my last day. Got taxed at a 25 28% capital gains rate IIRC.
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