North Michigan News

LANSING, Mich. - Lawmakers from Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) are expressing their strong opposition to the U.S. Postal Service's plans to modify mail service in the region. Specifically, they are opposing the discontinuation of outgoing mail processing at the facility in Kingsford.

Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, stated, "We are speaking with one voice to oppose this terrible plan to reduce postal services to the people of the U.P." He emphasized that there is no partisan divide on this issue and accused the Postal Service of manipulating information to push through this change.

Lawmakers are concerned that the Postal Service's press releases about new investments at the processing facility do not clarify whether these investments will only be for incoming mail to the U.P. or if all mail sent from U.P. addresses will be processed in Wisconsin, even if it is coming back to the U.P.

Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, stressed that postal service is a right prescribed in the Constitution. He expressed concern that curtailing services at the Kingsford facility could isolate U.P. residents and be potentially dangerous.

The Postal Service's new program, called the "Optimized Collections Plan," is part of the "Delivering for America Plan," which aims to make the Postal Service more profitable and efficient. However, lawmakers argue that changes to delivery and pickup across the U.P. have already resulted in longer delivery times for residents.

Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, voiced his concerns, stating, "It sure feels like, on a good day, the U.P. is merely forgotten. On days like today, we get targeted. If I had to choose, ignoring us would be preferable. It isn't broke, please leave it alone." He emphasized that losing more jobs and citizens is not what the U.P. and Michigan need at this time.

Efficiency is a major concern for Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette. She worries that transferring essential mail processing functions to another state will diminish the speed and reliability of mail delivery in U.P. communities. Hill strongly opposes any changes that compromise the reliable service U.P. residents have come to expect.

In response to these concerns, the U.P. legislators introduced resolutions in both chambers of the state Legislature condemning the Postal Service's plan and urging the federal government to reverse its decision. Senate Resolution 92, sponsored by McBroom, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, sponsored by Damoose, have already passed the Senate. House Concurrent Resolution 12, sponsored by Hill, was adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives. However, House Resolution 184, sponsored by Markkanen, did not receive a vote.

Congressman Jack Bergman has also announced his opposition to the Postal Service's plans. A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, at the armory in Kingsford to address the concerns of the public.

Lawmakers believe that the processing facility in Kingsford is crucial to the timely processing and delivery of mail in the U.P. They argue that taking away more essential services would be detrimental to the region. Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, stated, "I believe the federal government is making a huge mistake by taking away good paying jobs from an area that has relied on those jobs being there for years." He expressed his hope that the decision to eliminate outgoing mail processing at the Kingsford facility is reversed.

Copies of the resolution have been sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the president of the United States, the president of the U.S. Senate, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the U.S. postmaster general.

The U.P. lawmakers are determined to defend the postal services that the people of the U.P. rely on. They are united in their opposition to the Postal Service's plan and are urging the federal government to reconsider its decision.