Local 301 welcomed Senator Susan Collins and National President John Hegarty to a Maine State Union Social Function to address the membership from the state of Maine on Postal Reform Issues and the current status of Postal reform Legislation.

Senator Susan Collins ( R ) Maine addressed a gathering of officers, including National President John Hegarty, and members from across Maine and Local 301 Sunday, June 4, 2006 at Verillo's Function Hall in Portland, ME.
 
Senator Collin's speech to the assemblage of Mail Handlers attending the State Social Function marked the first time in memory that  a sitting U.S. Senator had addressed an assemblage of  NPMHU members.

In her remarks to the assemblage, Senator Collins discussed the joint bill currently pending approval at joint conference level, sponsored by the Senator and Senator Tom Carper, she also discussed at length the impact the Postal Service has on the 900 Billion dollar a year mailing industry and the four provisions of the bill that she considers to be vital to both the Union and the United Stated Postal Service:

* The repeal of the escrow fund overpayment for Civil Service Retirement Fund, estimated to be close to 30 billion dollars.

* The return of military retirement funding obligation to the U.S. Treasury, currently such obligation sits with the U.S. Postal Service and amounts to a $27 Billion Dollar obligation. Payments already include $17 billion dollars already obligated to the U.S. Treasury.

* Permits The U.S. Postal Service to 'Bank' Rate Hikes.

* Single Piece Parcels would be placed in 'market dominant' category

Senator Collins also stated that the bill, as currently situated, would leave collective bargaining alone. She stated that she shares many of the publicized concerns about the Postal Service's Network Consolidation Plan, and echoed a recent (2005) government Account Office (GAO) report that recommended and increase in transparency and information to 'stakeholders', and more opportunity for consultation and information on realignment and potential effect on communities that would be  potentially impacted by plans for consolidation.
 
Senator Collins also discussed the new Scarborough, ME Processing and Distribution Plant, slated to open this summer, and provided some insight on the stabilizing effect the new plant will have on the Southern Maine area.
 Senator Collins also held a question and answer period with the gathering.

 Local 301 President then introduced National President John Hegarty, who gave the attendees information on upcoming events of National and local interest, such as upcoming National Contract negotiations and a host of information on National and Local events.

 National President Hegarty hosted a lengthy question and answer session with the assemblage continued well into the afternoon.
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