WASHINGTON, D.C. – After last night’s Senate passage of a postal reform bill that will preserve Ohio’s United States Postal Service (USPS) mail processing centers and rural post offices, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement:

“Though not perfect, today’s bill is a compromise that will support USPS workers, protect taxpayers, and maintain consistent, high-quality mail service,” Brown said. “By preserving direct mail and six-day delivery until further study, it is likely that Ohio’s processing centers slated for closure will remain open. As we move forward, I will continue to work to preserve jobs and efficient mail service throughout our state.”

Brown successfully fought to maintain jobs and preserve mail delivery in Ohio. Because of his work, Ohio’s Mail & Processing Distribution Centers (P&DC) and rural post offices throughout the state will remain open for the next two years while the USPS takes steps to support the postal service’s long-term solvency.

The provisions will:

  • Enact a moratorium on closures until November 13, 2012 to prevent voter disenfranchisement by allowing USPS to deliver vote-by-mail ballots to affected communities;
  • Prohibit closing rural post offices if it results in more than 10 mile distance (measured on year-round roads) between any two post offices.

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