Senator discussed importance of Tucson’s processing facility, vowed continued oversight of U.S. Postal Service
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema virtually discussed ongoing mail service issues in Arizona and the U.S. Postal Service’s further implementation of its 10-year plan with the U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Sinema pressed the Postmaster General on the importance of the Tucson Cherrybell processing plant to Arizona residents and the need to make wise decisions about any service changes in Arizona.
“Arizonans across our state continue to raise concerns around the Postal Service’s recent service performance. The Postal Service remains an important tool for Arizonans to obtain medicines, operate their businesses, or connect with loved ones. I will continue to ensure the Postmaster General understands that and closely considers Arizona’s needs before making any service changes,” said Sinema, Chair of the Senate’s Government Operations Subcommittee, which conducts oversight of the U.S. Postal Service.
Sinema inquired about the Postal Service’s consideration of Tucson’s processing plant and how USPS plans to take into account the impact on local communities when considering service changes such as consolidations. Sinema vowed continued oversight of the Postal Service as Chair of the Senate’s Government Operations Subcommittee.
In March 2021, the Postmaster General released the Postal Service’s 10-year plan in response to the agency’s ongoing financial difficulties. The 10-year plan includes increasing postage prices, changing “unattainable” service standards, and consolidating processing plants. Arizonans have raised concerns with Sinema about the plan and how it will further cause delays and reduced service, particularly in rural areas that Arizonans depend on the Postal Service to receive their mediation, pay their bills, and connect with loved ones, without significantly improving the U.S. Postal Service’s financial situation.