Bill could save Southgate post office

The House of Representatives passed a bill this week that supporters say could help keep the Southgate post office open.

The United States Postal Service Financial Relief Act reduces the amount of money the postal service pays into its retiree health-benefits fund this year by $4 billion.

Local postal workers union representatives say the bill will help the postal service stay solvent and could reduce the number of post offices facing closure across the country.

The Southgate post office, on Siesta Drive, was the only Sarasota location facing consolidation.
Rep. Vern Buchanan voted in favor of the bill.