[Psml] PSML Digest, Vol 9, Issue 6 - Response Part 2

[John]

Because my original PSML response was being held because the Message 
body is too big: 18012 bytes with a limit of 10 KB. The PSML 
moderator indicated that the message will get posted to the list, or 
I will receive notification of the moderator's decision  for approval 
/ disapproval. Since a timely response was not forthcoming, have 
divided the message into 2 parts. This is part 2.

Of really great interest is the article in the Compass Vol. 1 No. 3 
on reimbursements. To quote the lead,
"To combat spiraling travel costs, the Budget Committee considered 
eliminating, limiting or capping travel reimbursements. Instead, it 
chose to ask you to help control USPS reimbursement costs by shopping 
around for the cheapest airfare." Further, need to read on -

"USPS travel expense voucher information
Please use standard airfare: the lowest available price on an airline 
purchased at least 35 days prior to the scheduled event.
1. The following items will not be reimbursed.
a. tips
b. overweight baggage charges
c. flight change charges other than those due to emergencies
2. The Budget Committee will determine appropriate parking fees and 
economical public transportation to and from the airport to the 
meeting site. Hotel courtesy vehicles should be used if possible.

3. For transportation exclusively by car, you will be reimbursed at 
the rate of $0.25 per mile not to exceed the standard airfare. Hint: 
If driving, get a quote from the airline at least 35 days before the 
event and include it with your travel voucher submission.

4. Lodging will be reimbursed at a rate of $65 a night. However, if a 
$100-a-night room is shared by two people receiving reimbursement, 
each person will only be reimbursed for $50 a night."

         OK, what's wrong with this picture? Still a lot of perks 
that have not been eliminated to save dollars at the National level. 
Your Squadron providing these reimbursements to your Bridge? Seems we 
went down this path a few years ago to eliminate a lot of National 
level reimbursements. Not to regurgitate history, but National stated 
reimbursement policy does not show a significant concern. Some 
reality did strike home a few years ago when investments were no 
longer relied upon as part of the Operating Budget, and a decline in 
the market placed National in the red.

         So, to get back to the main thread, time for National to 
come out of the Ivory Tower, do away with the reimbursements, and 
really get moving on an active marketing campaign as noted in the 
preceding emails. If USPS  doesn't change, it will go the way of the 
Dodo - and what a waste of talent, camaraderie and knowledge if that 
should ever happen. Remember, Education is only part of the Triangle. 
I don't mean to suggest there are no positive advancements, but it 
may be too little, too late.

P/C John Shivik, AP
Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron
District 5

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