The Intelligence from The Economist Insufficient postage: the fight over America’s mail service
Aug 17, 2020
John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into the political turmoil surrounding the US Postal Service, highlighting concerns over mail-in voting and the implications of new policies on ballot delivery. Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent, discusses the bright yet precarious growth of Cambodia's microfinance industry, examining its role in poverty reduction versus the rising burden of individual debt, especially amid the pandemic. Both guests reveal pressing issues that blend politics, economics, and the future of public services.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
USPS Delays
- The U.S. Postal Service faces delays due to new cost-saving policies.
- These policies include restrictions on overtime and mail carrier trips.
New Postmaster General's Background
- Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, appointed in May, lacks USPS experience.
- He owns shares in a logistics company, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
USPS Financial Woes
- The USPS has long-standing financial issues, including prepaying retiree health benefits.
- Declining mail volume and COVID-19 absences exacerbate these problems.