North Michigan News

LANSING, Mich. - Lawmakers from the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan are expressing their opposition to the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) plan to modify mail service in the region. The plan includes discontinuing the processing of outgoing mail at the facility in Kingsford and potentially shifting mail processing to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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 criticized the USPS for manipulating information and not providing a clear picture of the impact of their proposed changes.

Lawmakers are concerned that the USPS's investment in the processing facility in Green Bay might only be for incoming mail to the U.P., leaving all mail sent from U.P. addresses to be processed in Wisconsin, even if it is coming back to the U.P.

Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, emphasized the importance of postal service as a constitutionally prescribed government service. He stated, "Curtailing services at the critical Kingsford processing and distribution center could further isolate our residents, which is unacceptable, unfair, and potentially dangerous."

The USPS's plan, called the "Optimized Collections Plan," is part of the "Delivering for America Plan" aimed at making the Postal Service more efficient and profitable. However, residents of the U.P. have already experienced changes in delivery and pickup services, with two to four days delivery taking the place of next-day delivery.

Lawmakers have been hearing concerns from their constituents regarding the timely delivery of essential items such as medicines, business and industry parts, and legally required water samples.

Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, expressed his frustration, 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."

Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, highlighted the importance of maintaining efficiency in mail delivery. She said, "I'm deeply concerned that the transfer of these essential functions to another state will diminish the speed and efficiency of mail in our communities."

In response to the USPS's plan, U.P. legislators introduced resolutions in both chambers of the state Legislature condemning the change and calling for the federal government to reverse its decision.

Congressman Jack Bergman has also expressed his opposition to the USPS's plans. A public meeting has been scheduled to hear the concerns of the public regarding the proposed changes.

Lawmakers and residents fear that the loss of the Kingsford processing facility will further deplete services in the already underserved U.P. region. Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, highlighted the facility's importance as a critical piece of infrastructure that the area cannot afford to lose.

Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the impact on local jobs. He said, "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."

The resolutions introduced by U.P. lawmakers have been sent to various government officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the president of the United States, and the U.S. postmaster general.

The U.P. legislators are united in their opposition to the USPS's plan and are urging the federal government to reconsider its decision.