Post Office and Civil Service, January-September

The letter from Mr. Vandiver expresses concerns about the lack of merit principles being followed in federal job promotions, particularly in regards to well-qualified individuals being overlooked in favor of uneducated or minority individuals. He believes that Congress should study and address this issue to ensure that highly qualified individuals are not discriminated against in government employment. He requests that his comments be shared with the Subcommittee on Manpower and Civil Service.

Warren Gantz wrote to James R. Jones in support of legislation providing Civil Service retirement benefits for Civilian Conservation Corps members. Jones thanked Gantz for his letter and informed him of two bills, H.R. 2044 and H.R. 3552, currently pending in committee. Jones assured Gantz that he would consider his views when voting on the issues. Gantz requested up-to-date information on the legislation from Jones' office.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission in Oklahoma is requesting support for H.R. 17620, which deals with second class postal rates for state agency conservation magazines, from Congressman James R. Jones. The letter is signed by Mutt Standefer, the Director of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The letter is thanking Mr. Standefer for his support of a bill regarding second-class postal rates for state agency conservation magazines. The bill was pending in the previous Congress and if reintroduced in the new Congress, it will receive favorable consideration. Signed by James R. Jones, Member of Congress.

The letter is a response from Congressman James R. Jones to Edward L. Allison regarding pension adjustments for government retirees. The text discusses how the adjustments are made based on the cost of living and how the formula can result in overpayments to retirees. It also mentions the potential costs to taxpayers and the need for Congress to reevaluate the system. The text also includes information about a regional convention of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International and bids for grazing leases on land in Washington County.

The letter is a response from Congressman James R. Jones to Arthur Marion Smith regarding President Ford's proposed ceiling on federal pension and salary increases. Jones expresses his intention to work against the five percent ceiling on pension benefits, but is inclined to support a five percent increase ceiling on government employee salaries. Smith then responds, expressing his disagreement with the proposed limitations and arguing that retired and elderly citizens should not be limited to a five percent increase in benefits while costs are rising. Smith asks for Jones' support in fighting against the proposed limitations.

The letter is from David N. Henderson, thanking James for his support in his election to the Chairmanship of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee. Henderson assures James that he will conduct the Committee's work in accordance with Caucus rules and will work diligently to improve postal and civil service systems. Henderson welcomes James' suggestions and recommendations.

The text is a correspondence between Major General John Coffey, Jr. and Congressman James R. Jones regarding the Technician Retirement Bill, H.R. 100, which was reported out of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee as S. 584. Coffey requests Jones' support for the bill as it reaches the floor of the House for a vote, emphasizing the importance of providing full retirement credit for National Guard Technicians. Jones assures Coffey that he will keep his thoughts in mind and thanks him for bringing the matter to his attention.

A group of postal supervisors in Tulsa, Oklahoma is seeking support for a bill granting arbitration rights to postal supervisors. They are asking Congressman Jim Jones for assistance in passing House Bill H.R. 5665. The mailgram was transmitted by Western Union and includes contact information for responding by mailgram or phone.

The letter is from Jack A. Presley to Congressman James R. Jones, urging support for an 8.66% pay raise for federal employees, instead of the 5% raise proposed by President Ford. Presley argues that federal workers should not be made an example and should receive a raise comparable to private industry standards. Congressman Jones appreciates the input and states that the issue will be considered in Congress.

Mr. Daryl Cook wrote a letter to Congressman James R. Jones expressing his concerns about the deteriorating postal services after the Postal Reorganization Act of 1972. He believes that the Postal Service is not providing efficient, high quality, and inexpensive service. Congressman Jones informed Mr. Cook that the House Post Office Committee is considering various legislative measures to improve the situation, including amendments to the Postal Reorganization Act. Mr. Cook suggested returning the Postal Service to its former status as a Department of the Executive Branch. Congressman Jones assured Mr. Cook that he will support measures to improve postal services.

The text is a response from Congressman James R. Jones to a letter from Gary K. Rice suggesting a new policy to help prevent future increases in postage rates. Jones agrees with Rice's concerns and mentions that the House Post Office Committee is considering amendments to the Postal Reorganization Act to address Postal Service problems. Jones appreciates Rice sharing his thoughts and will make sure his suggestion is known to those working on legislation. Rice had suggested reducing mail delivery to business customers to three days a week and residential customers to three days a week to save costs.

The first letter is from Congressman James R. Jones responding to a constituent's concerns about fiscal responsibility and distrust in institutions. Jones explains his voting record and efforts to engage with constituents. The second letter is from C.R. Gustafson expressing frustration with Congress's salary increases and lack of action on issues like inflation and gas shortages. Gustafson questions the ethics of the salary increase and criticizes Congress for not addressing the needs of the nation.

Mr. Garrison wrote to Congressman Daniels expressing concern about a proposed 3c postage increase, requesting legislation to limit first class postage to 10c. Congressman Jones responded, agreeing with the concerns and stating that an amendment may be offered to disapprove of the proposed increase. He appreciates Mr. Garrison's input and will closely follow the progress on the matter in Congress.

John H. Rousselot, a Member of Congress from California, thanks Honorable James R. Jones for his support on an amendment to reduce the ratio of Federal-State funding in a bill. He expresses appreciation for Jones' help in getting the amendment passed.

The text is a letter from Gary A. Davis, President of Local 386 of the National Federation of Federal Employees Union, to Representative James R. Jones, requesting support in defeating President Ford's proposal to limit the pay increase for federal employees to 5% instead of the recommended 8.66%. Davis argues that the proposed increase is necessary to keep up with rising prices and maintain essential needs. Representative Jones responds, thanking Davis for his concern and informing him that a resolution disapproving the President's recommendation has been reported by the Senate Post office and Civil Service Committee, which could result in a higher pay increase for federal employees.

The letter is from Dexter Sutterfield to Hon. James Jones expressing concern about the proposed 5% pay increase for federal employees. Sutterfield argues that federal workers do not have expense accounts like Congress and depend on their salaries for their livelihood. He points out that the private sector has given larger pay increases in recent years and urges Jones to overturn President Ford's proposal. Jones responds, thanking Sutterfield for his letter and informing him that a resolution disapproving the President's recommendation has been favorably reported by the Senate Post Office and Civil Service Committee. If passed, the pay increase for federal employees will be 8.66% instead of 5%. Jones appreciates Sutterfield's concern and assures him of his willingness to be of service as his Representative.

Floyd T. Winton wrote a letter to James R. Jones requesting his support for the Technician Retirement Bill (S. 584) as Winton had served as a technician in the National Guard for 14 years. Jones responded, thanking Winton for his input and assuring him that he would consider his support when voting on the bill. Jones acknowledged the valuable contributions of National Guard technicians and expressed his commitment to fair retirement benefits for them.

Mrs. F.J. Brandenburg wrote to Congressman James R. Jones requesting support for a bill to designate February as American History Month. Congressman Jones responded, explaining that the bill could not be considered by the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service as it did not meet the requirements for consideration as a national legal holiday. Mrs. Brandenburg urged Congressman Jones to endorse the bill to the Sub-Committee before September 1st for consideration in 1976.

The text discusses the extravagant fringe benefits and privileges enjoyed by congressmen and other high-ranking government officials, such as free travel, generous pensions, taxpayer-funded insurance, and other perks. It highlights examples of officials taking advantage of these benefits, often at the expense of taxpayers. The text also mentions questionable practices, such as using taxpayer money for personal trips and expenses.