LANSING, MI— A coalition of U.P. lawmakers has sponsored a resolution opposing the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to move the processing of outgoing mail from Iron Mountain to Green Bay.
USPS says the move is designed to improve efficiency and make the service profitable, but the lawmakers say USPS doesn’t make it clear if the shift would be only for incoming mail to the U.P. or if all mail sent from U.P. addresses would be processed in Wisconsin, even if it is coming back to the U.P.
“We are speaking with one voice to oppose this terrible plan to reduce postal services to the people of the U.P.,” said Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “There is no partisan divide here. The U.S. Postal Service is pushing this change through manipulation and carefully worded press releases that do not tell the whole story about what they are trying to do.”
The new program, called the “Optimized Collections Plan,” which is part of the new law, “Delivering for America Plan,” ostensibly seeks to make the Postal Service profitable and more efficient. Releases from the government have claimed a study of the need and functionality of the Kingsford facility will occur, but changes to delivery and pickup across the U.P. have already occurred. Residents are now paying the same rates for two to four days delivery in the U.P., which was next-day delivery at the beginning of January. Issues regarding the timely delivery of medicines, business and industry parts, and very critically, legally required water samples are just a few of the concerns being brought to legislators.
“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,” said Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette. “Our local postal workers are dedicated to ensuring U.P. residents receive their packages on time, without interruptions. I’m strongly opposed to any changes that will compromise the reliable service our residents have come to expect.”
Additionally, Congressman Jack Bergman has announced his opposition to the plans released by the postal service.
There is a public meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. at the armory in Kingsford this Thursday, Feb. 8 to hear the concerns of the public.
The resolution was also sponsored by Senator John Damoose, Rep. Greg Markkanen, Rep. Dave Prestin, and Rep. Neil Friske.
