C.O.L.C.P.E. – the NALC's Committee On Letter Carrier Political Education. Letter carriers are now able to contribute to COLCPE – the NALC's committee on letter carrier political education – through payroll deductions via PostalEASE. Contributions made to COLCPE are used to educate our members, support those politicians that support letter carrier issues, and give us a voice in Congress. Today, more than ever, there is a need for every letter carrier and postal employee to take an active roll in the politics of this nation. One way to have a voice and play a part in the political forum is to support those that support us.

“Money and votes are what count.”

Politicians are going to sponsor bills and pass laws that are favorable to the constituents that they represent and for those who support them by contributing towards their campaign ... and voting for them. Postal employees were restricted from participating in the political process for many years under the Hatch Act. Today we have more freedom to become active in politics; but, we fall short of equality - when it comes to the rights and liberties afforded to all other U.S. Citizens.

We must be vigilant in our desire and quest to have parity and equality both on the job and at home. If not for the stroke of a pen, the Postal Service as we know it could be altered ... and possibly destroyed. If you think that your vote doesn't count - think again. The Medicare tax that is deducted from your paycheck was a result of our lack of participation and support in Congress. The Medicare tax deduction was passed by one ... ONE ... vote! We pay a tax that we receive no benefit from. I could preach for as long as you are willing to listen, but when all is said and done, the only thing that really matters is what really speaks – money and votes. You heard that saying before - “Money talks and bullshit walks”. Well start talking before you have to walk. You can make a difference. Any active USPS employee regardless of craft who is an NALC member may sign up for a COLCPE deduction through PostalEASE.

In order to activate your COLCPE deduction, you must know your 4-digit USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN) or have your PIN mailed to you by calling 1-877-4PS-EASE (1-877-477-3273) and enter it when you call PostalEASE to set up a payroll deduction for COLCPE. You will also need the first seven digits of the ID number that appears above your name on the back cover of your Postal Record. Follow the prompter by making the proper allotment selections by using your telephone keypad. The 9-digit Financial Institution Routing Number is 064000017. An even easier way to do this is to visit http://www.njsalc.com, click on the PostalEASE link and make your contribution.

By contributing as little as $1.00 a week - $2.00 a pay period – that’s $52.00 a year – you will do your part in helping all of us in having a say in Congress and securing our future in the Postal Service. Isn't YOUR job – YOUR family – YOUR livelihood worth a dollar a week? Make the call.