Author: Steve Kearney

  • Important stamp information for nonprofits in 2017

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    Steve Kearney
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    Stamps: Buy Forever by Jan 22; consider trying custom stamps; relief may be on the way for low denominations Postage stamps are important tools for many nonprofits. People tend to assume that stamps are only used by the ever-diminishing personal letter writer and bill payer. But nonprofits use First Class stamps on outbound letters and…

  • New nonprofit stamp design for 2017

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    Steve Kearney
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  • Great news on USPS liabilities

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    Steve Kearney
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    January 6, 2017 Government to reduce USPS pension liability Long on the list of must-haves by the USPS has been a re-valuation of its retirement liabilities based on its own employees’ demographics rather than those of the full government workforce. The Proposed Rule was issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on December 22,…

  • Alliance notes

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    Steve Kearney
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    January 6, 2017 Alliance notes–articles we recommend that nonprofit mailers read NBC41: Price of forever stamps set to increase this month Reuters: Amazon doubles deliveries in 2016 for third-party sellers USPSOIG: Top 10 Postal Stories of 2016 Daily Herald: Constable: U.S. Postal Service rides to the rescue AARP: How Stamps Get Designed Fed Week: High…

  • The Chronicle of Philanthropy—New Postal Rates Will Boost Costs for Charities

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    Steve Kearney
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    By Timothy Sandoval December 27, 2016 Nonprofits will pay anywhere from 2.8 percent to 4.3 percent more in 2017 to ship presorted fundraising, promotional, or informational letters, also known as standard-mail letters. Under new postage rates set to go into effect January 22, many nonprofits can also expect to pay more to send standard-mail “flats,” like calendars…

  • Alliance Notes

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    Steve Kearney
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    Alliance Notes, for December 20, 2016 The Washington Post: How do we raise charitable children? A nonprofit founder (and dad) offers tips. KSL: S. Postal Service prepares for record-breaking Christmas Linn’s Stamp News: Court to hear case of rejected stamp critical of Citizens United ruling Small Business Trends: What is USPS Every Door Direct Mail…

  • USPS has no Governors

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    Steve Kearney
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    The governance structure set up in 1970 for the U.S. Postal Service is now at serious risk. The nine outside governors appointed by the president are no more. All of their nine-year terms expired and the Senate has not confirmed any replacements. The candidates nominated by President Obama have not been confirmed, reportedly because of…

  • Senate Confirms Two PRC Commissioners

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    Steve Kearney
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    In the very early morning hours of Saturday, December 10, the following message emerged from the U.S. Senate: POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION Executive Calendar #740 – Mark D. Acton, of Kentucky, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2022 (Reappointment) Executive Calendar #741 – Robert G. Taub, of…

  • Congress Adjourns for 2016 Without Postal Reform Legislation

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    Steve Kearney
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    Despite valiant efforts by both the Senate and House oversight committees, no postal reform legislation came to pass in 2016. With the shift in control of the White House, and the resulting Republican control of both the executive and legislative branches, prospects for new postal legislation are very uncertain going into 2017. All eyes will…

  • PRC Starts 10-year Regulatory Review

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    Steve Kearney
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    At 8:02:10 AM EST on December 20, 2016, a very long and complicated process was started. This is the 10-year anniversary of the passage of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 2006. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) initiated the process by issuing a 12-page order that lays out its scope, the initial process,…