“USPS continues to be classic example of waste and mismanagement,” says Paige

(Washington, D.C.) — Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today criticized the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the recent revelation that it offers a free tax preparation service for its top officers.  The information became open to the public after the General Services Administration (GSA) posted a proposal on its website.

“This is just another example in a long list of waste and mismanagement in the Postal Services,” CAGW Vice-President Leslie Paige said.  “How is it than an agency that is constantly complaining about losing money and having to raise mail rates can find the money to provide perks for senior officials?”

The tax preparation service, for which 42 employees are eligible, has been offered since 1998.  Previously, the USPS had contracted out to Arthur Andersen, but since the company is now obsolete in the wake of unrelated accounting scandals, the Postal Service has been forced to look elsewhere.  The solicitation for proposals posted on March 5, calls for potential contractors to provide individual financial counseling, such as estate and retirement planning, in addition to the tax preparation.  Contracts listed to date are valued at more than $25,000.

“The USPS is already facing an $11 billion debt to the U.S. Treasury, along with up to $50 billion in unfunded healthcare liabilities to its retirees,” Paige continued.  “At a time when federal and state governments are cutting programs due to budget constraints, and average Americans are feeling the squeeze on their wallets, it would be nice to see an agency buried in such debt as USPS, act in a fiscally responsible manner.  Somehow, USPS does not seem to feel the need.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in government.