Medford’s Outgoing Mail Handling Challenged By Oregon State Senators

MEDFORD, Ore — The U.S. Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, has been asked to reverse his position on the handling of outgoing mail in Medford by two of Oregon’s State Senators.

Senators Challenge USPS Mail Handling

Demanding that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy reverse his position to relocate outgoing mail operations at the regional postal distribution center in Medford, U.S., Senators Ron Wyden (D) and Jeff Merkley (D) share the grave concerns of the residents of Southern Oregon that the consolidation of processes poses significant negative consequences for the efficiency of postal services and the community.

The Medford processing center has a crucial role- to ensure the mail of residents, businesses, and government agencies is delivered timeously.

The senators say the consolidation of the facility resulted in mail delivery delays, impacting essential services. They said the consolidation is felt by those who rely on prompt and reliable postal services, especially seniors, rural Oregonians, and small businesses in the region.

Highlighting that Oregon state votes entirely by mail, the senators expressed confidence a solution can be found that strengthens the Postal Service and serves the needs of local communities in Southern Oregon with thoughtful consideration. They do not see downgrading the Medford site as a solution.

See also:  Election Officials Concerned That US Mail’s Issues Could Disrupt Voting

Oregonians Have Concerns About USPS Mail Services

The USPS Office of Inspector General recently issued a report illustrating Oregonians’ concerns over delays in first-class mail deliveries, echoed the Senator’s letter.

In a Senate speech delivered by Merkley in July, he called attention to the urgent United States Postal Service (USPS) issues affecting Oregonians, focussing on first-hand stories of Oregonians who rely on the Postal Service for everything including staying in touch with loved ones, lifesaving medications, and running their small businesses.

The restructuring plan was labeled by DeJoy ‘Delivering for America’ but Merkely said a better name would be ‘Delaying Mail in America.’ He said despite USPS leadership claims that downgrades won’t slow deliveries, every delivery route will be slower when over 500 miles are added. Merkley says this is already happening in his home state.

Despite the downgrade of services, the USPS continues to raise prices. A single stamp costs 73 cents as of July 14. Merkley said while the USPS calls the new system ‘more efficient and cost-effective,’ he calls it ‘paying more and getting less.’ Rural communities are the most severely affected by the price hikes and delivery delays.

Merkley said DeJoy’s downgrades must be reversed now to restore reliable, affordable mail delivery. He suggests the ‘Delivering for America’ plan be returned to the sender.