From Alan Robinson

Currently eight states now will have "do not mail" legislation to consider in 2008. Such legislation will likely be introduced in many more states as legislative sessions begin in the next few months. Given the precarious state of an economy on the brink of recession, opponents of such legislation need to carefully document how such legislation could hurt the economy of states where legislation is proposed.

In particular, attention need to be paid to documenting how mail-dependent individual economic segments are. This documentation should pay particular attention to those economic segments that already are troubled and those would be threatened by even slower economic growth. Right now these economic segments include:

• Real estate;
• Financial services;
• Mortgage banking;
• Construction and home remodeling;
• Automotive manufacturing
• Automotive sales; and
• Retail sales.

In addition, mail is a primary advertising media for small businesses, many of whom use shared mail products, shoppers and coupon filled envelopes in addition to solo advertising. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable in economic downturns and many legislators will want to protect the small businesses in their district, particularly if the customers of those businesses are experiencing pain from the economic slowdown.

Alan Robinson is the President of the Direct Communications Group and an associate of Analytic Business Services (AnaBus). He has published over 40 articles for clients in the postal, transportation, and logistics industries. He has over twenty years experience helping firms and government officials deal with the regulatory, policy, marketing, and management issues associated with changes in competition within transportation, parcel delivery and postal markets. His clients have included trade associations, transportation companies, postal administrations, parcel carriers, shippers, and suppliers. Mr. Robinson has been a frequent speaker on postal issues and multi-employer pension plan finances. He can be reached at alan_robinson@anabus.com