Southeast Texas answers: How important is Saturday mail to you?

Just how important is Saturday mail service to you?  The U.S. Postal Service announced this week its considering stopping home delivery on Saturdays in hopes of curbing the billions its losing every year.

"I don't think it'll matter..."

"It'd be kind of a loss for me.."

They're on the streets... and they're on the streams. They are the opinions of Southeast Texans reacting to the U.S. Postal Service's latest attempt to save itself.

Postmaster General John Potter said, "We need to reinvent, redefine and reinvigorate the value of mail to business and households and to structure our organization in a way that restores its fiscal integrity."

On Tuesday, the USPS announced it's facing a $7 billion budget deficit due to the declining use of snail mail, coupled with rising operation costs. A three-part, cost-saving proposal to congress followed, which included a request to drop down to a five-day home delivery schedule, cutting Saturday out of the mix. The agency hopes that move will save about $3.5 billion in its first year.

Southeast Texans are mixed on the matter... both on-line at KFDM's Facebook page and viewer forum, as well as at one of Beaumont's busiest postal stops.

Bonita Randolph said, "It's gonna be a big problem come that."

"If it works it works," said Chris Asta, "If it doesn't, it doesn't."

"In town, that might be ok," said Sue Haver, "But as far as the people who live out and cannot get to town when they need to, get their mail delivered when they need it, that might be inconvenient for them."

Spencer Johnson said, "I wouldn't even be able to get any mail on the weekend which would make it harder on me to get business handled if I have an important matter to handle."

But until Congress delivers a decision, the issue will remain something to talk about in Southeast Texas.

Other options on the table include increasing the cost of stamps, and possibly trading out post offices for postal stations.. placed in grocery and convenience stores.

The postal service says if Congress approves the proposal, the changes will likely start in 2011.