Feb 10, 2021 by Staff

Stefanik cosponsors USPS Fairness Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Lastweek, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) cosponsored the United States Postal Service (USPS) Fairness Act.

If enacted, the legislation would repeal the mandate forcing the USPS to pre-fund their retiree health care decades in advance. According to a press release, no other enterprise in the United States faces the requirement, which costs the USPS more than $5 billion dollars each year.

Estimates suggest the agency would have been deficit-free for the past six years if it were not for this one mandate.

“The USPS provides essential services for our North Country communities, families, veterans and seniors,” Stefanik said in a statement.

“The urgent financial issues that it faces must be addressed to ensure it can continue operating smoothly. I am proud to cosponsor the USPS Fairness Act and offer a tangible solution that will put the USPS on a solid path to greater fiscal stability and a stronger future.”

Stefanik offers amendment to National Apprenticeship Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) gave remarks on the House floor on her amendment to the National Apprenticeship Act.

According to a press release, the amendment would encouragethe development of an apprenticeship program that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century workplace, accessible to job-creators in emerging industries and encourages both employers and workers to participate by reducing red tape and burdensome regulations.

In her remarks, Stefanik pointed to how nearly nine million fewer Americans are working than before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, as well as Congress’ responsibility to put forth meaningful solutions to strengthen pathways to careers.

She argued that apprenticeship programs were underutilized, and that the bill’s current version “doubles down on a one-size-fits-all approachthat closes pathways into the workforce, and stifles employer-led innovation.”

The amendment, Stefanik said, would allow small businesses to seek waivers to federal requirements that don’t match the nature of their business, equip apprenticeship programs to prepare the next generation for a full range of workforce development opportunities and careers, and preserve the ability for innovation beyond the traditional registered system to ensure apprenticeship offerings can quickly develop and adapt to job market demands.

“I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to modernize the apprenticeship system and generate opportunities for American workers without the red tape and the roadblocks that remain in the underlying bill,” Stefanik said.

You can read this article in full here: https://www.pressrepublican.com