Peters Tours USPS Facility in Grand Rapids, Provides Update on Postal Service Investigation
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today toured a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facility on Patterson Avenue SE in Grand Rapids and visited the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 56 in Kentwood. While there, Peters discussed recent changes by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that have led to significant mail delays and provided an update on his ongoing investigation, which has received more than 7,600 personal submissions from individuals, veterans, seniors and small business owners in Michigan and across the country.
“West Michigan residents are among the thousands who reported their stories to my office about how recent postal delays have negatively impacted them. That’s why after I didn’t get clear, satisfactory answers from Postmaster General DeJoy – I came to see what’s happening on the ground here in West Michigan and hear directly from the dedicated postal workers who strive day in and day out to deliver the mail on time,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “It is clear that the changes Postmaster General DeJoy directed are harming those who depend on the Postal Service to receive critical prescription drugs, bills, paychecks and home supplies. Michiganders need a Postal Service that provides dependable service, and I will continue working to ensure families and small businesses can once again get the service that they deserve.”
“There’s no question that removing postal processing equipment across Grand Rapids has the potential to slow down mail delivery,” said Amy Puhalski, President of the American Postal Workers Union Local 281. “The damage that’s been done to the Postal Service under these policy changes must be reversed. I’m glad Senator Peters is leading the charge and demanding answers. We’ll continue to work with him to ensure postal workers have the support they need to deliver mail on-time.”
“I work for a small business that’s adapted and responded to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, since mail delivery began slowing down, we’ve had a substantial increase in our operating costs due to these delays. That puts a lot of stress on our ability to do business,” said Beth Nolan, resident of Ada, MI. “Small businesses rely on USPS delivery each and every day. That’s why we can’t afford delays like we’ve experienced recently. I shared my story with Senator Peters after he announced his investigation, and I know I’m not alone in feeling the small business impacts of postal delays. I’m glad Senator Peters is on the case.”
To download high-resolution photos or for additional photos click here.
As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led numerous efforts to protect the Postal Service and reverse recent changes that have led to significant delays. Last week, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing Peters helped secure with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Peters questioned the Postmaster General on the operational changes resulting in delayed mail, and pressed DeJoy on how these changes are preventing veterans from receiving their prescription medications through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mail-order pharmacy service. Peters also introduced legislation to block the Postmaster General from making any changes that would disrupt service for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Additionally, Peters called on the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors to immediately reverse changes made by DeJoy that degrade or delay postal operations and mail delivery, through their authority under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970.
###
