AF&PA calls on federal government to change its policies that limit some federal services, communications to electronic only, which limits access, releases new video entitled 'Paper: Making Life Better,' which focuses on how paper enriches people's lives

Debra Garcia

WASHINGTON , June 18, 2013 (press release) – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released its newest web video titled "Paper: Making Life Better," which calls attention to the educational, functional, and memorable benefits that paper brings to the everyday lives of people across the country and around the world.

AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman remarked on how federal policies affect Americans' ability to effectively use this important commodity in the following statement:

"Paper products are used to inform and educate people on the events of the day, to document and transmit necessary information, and to capture the memories throughout our lives like no other medium. Our 'Paper: Making Life Better' video highlights the many ways that paper plays an important role in our lives and for our livelihood.

"Unfortunately, short-sighted federal government policies exist that limit the distribution of federal services and communications to electronic only and should be revised. Citizens need the option to receive paper-based federal services and communications such as social security documents, tax documents, and savings bonds. These vital services are now only available to those with access to electronic formats. AF&PA believes people should be able to choose the manner in which they receive information and services and supports the complementary use of digital and paper-based communications rather than choosing one at the exclusion of the other.

"Paper is a vital component to communications for millions of Americans, including seniors and the 30 percent of citizens without online access, many of whom live in rural communities or low-income households. And then there are, of course, people who simply prefer paper-based communications.

"Access to government services should not be based on access to the Internet. Those who wish to receive paper-based communications and documentation should have that choice and not be forced to digital delivery or forgo the information or service."

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Editor's Note: Video available at http://bit.ly/11vU93X

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 $200 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.

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