Today, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) warned that attempts to privatize United States Postal Service (USPS) would jeopardize local post offices, jobs and universal access.

Kucinich, at a joint hearing of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, said:

“I remain concerned that some of the proposals being considered could lead to the privatization of essential services. I strongly believe that there are ways to generate revenue without cutting jobs and essential services.”

Speaking to USPS Postmaster General and CEO, Mr. John Potter, Kucinich highlighted a few of the innovative ways in which the Postal Service could increase revenues by providing government services at local post offices and by giving the U.S.P.S more leeway to offer products that compete with products offered by the private sector.

“The United States Postal Service provides essential services to local communities; a lifeline for the most disadvantaged. Any cut in services will increase the vulnerability for the poor and the elderly. Many of them have no access to the internet, do not own a car and often have limited public transport options – for these people a local post office and a visit from a mail carrier six days a week is an essential link to the outside world,” added Kucinich.