Res. No. 2235
Resolution calling upon President Obama and the 111th Congress to use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to prevent the closure of United States Postal Service facilities throughout the City of New York.
By Council Member Avella, Barron, Brewer, James, Palma and Vacca
Whereas, On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help the nation recover from its worst financial crisis since the Great Depression; and
Whereas, As part of the Act, the federal government pledged to invest $150 billion in the nation's infrastructure, specifically the nation's roads, bridges, and mass transit systems; and
Whereas, Such an investment in infrastructure is critical to the nation's overall economic recovery, as it not only promotes job growth and increased economic activity in the short term, but also ensures that the nation has a strong foundation for sustained growth and prosperity possible throughout the 21st century; and
Whereas, The federal government should invest a portion of these funds in the United States Postal Service (USPS) - an important but often overlooked component of the nation's infrastructure that is critical to the national economy; and
Whereas, Because of the recent economic downturn and the increasing popularity of digital forms of communication, the USPS is facing a potential loss of $7 billion for the 2009 fiscal year; and
Whereas, If the USPS does not receive financial assistance from the federal government, the USPS will likely be forced to close 700 locations throughout the nation, including 53 locations in New York City; and
Whereas, The two boroughs that would be most adversely affected are Manhattan and Queens with a potential of 25 and 11 closings, respectively; and
Whereas, Although such closings will have a negative impact on every community, they pose the greatest harm to the most economically vulnerable New Yorkers, including many seniors and low-income families; and
Whereas, What used to be a simple trip to the local post office for a senior citizen or a working parent, for example, could potentially necessitate the use of public transportation to get to the closest post office, making such a visit more costly and time consuming; and
Whereas, Since the USPS invaluably serves every community throughout the nation by making the movement of goods and information possible, and thus enables the American economy to function; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon President Obama and the 111th Congress to use federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to prevent the closure of United States Postal Service facilities throughout the City of New York.
JCG
08/12/09
LS# 7723