WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Mike Michaud (D-ME) introduced today H.Res. 97, a resolution calling on the federal government to provide paper-based communications for programs and services upon which Americans depend and addresses continued access to government communications and services by those with computer and Internet access.
“We applaud Reps. Duffy and Michaud for taking the lead on this important issue and encourage other members who value their constituents’ choices for government communication to join them in supporting this resolution,” American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President & CEO Donna Harman. “Government agencies should not be unilaterally deciding what’s best for millions of Americans when it comes to services they depend on.”
Since 2011, the government has eliminated issuing printed tax forms, savings bonds, and Social Security checks. The move to digitize all forms of communication disadvantages nearly 30 percent of American households without Internet access, 45 percent of seniors who do not own a computer, and 8 percent of the population who choose to not maintain a bank account.
“Digital-only policies discriminate against seniors, those who lack Internet access, and citizens who simply prefer receiving paper-based communication. We urge the House to pass this resolution to address those issues without delay,” said Harman.
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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4.5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $190 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.