Lucas joins colleagues in urging postponement of postal rate increase

Lucas Joins Congressman Grothman Urging No Postal Rate Increase

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) in sending a bipartisan letter to  Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting he postpone the proposed postal rate increase until January, 2022. This would be the second postal rate increase this year and would outpace the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“We have heard clearly from employers in our districts and across the nation that a second increase in a single year will be highly disruptive and result in significant job losses and significant reduction in their use of Postal Service mail services. Many of these companies, especially small businesses, cannot afford a second increase, saying such action will reduce revenues and lead to job losses.” said the lawmakers. “While we continue to work to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Postal Service through legislation, we believe it is vital that the Postal Service not take any action that will weaken its long-term financial success by chasing customers out of the mail market. All Americans depend on the preservation of this essential institution that is meant to be self-sustaining.”

Read the full letter here or below:

Oklahoma delegation introduces bill to rename Owasso Post Office after fallen Air Nat'l Guardsman

Oklahoma delegation introduces legislation renaming Owasso Post Office after late Sgt. Marshal Roberts

TULSA, OK (October 20th) – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced legislation on Friday to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1233 North Cedar Street in Owasso, Okla., after fallen Air National Guardsman, Sergeant Marshal Roberts.

Sgt. Roberts, from Owasso, gave his life in service to our country while deployed in Iraq in March 2020.

The entire Oklahoma delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives joined Rep. Hern as original co-sponsors of the bill.

“Sergeant Marshal Roberts served his country with integrity and gave his all in the line of duty this spring,” said Congressman Hern. “His legacy has inspired so many; renaming the Owasso Post Office ensures his legacy will live on for our community to see every day. Oklahomans have incredible respect for those who serve our country. We will never forget Sgt. Roberts and his sacrifice.”

New Post Office opens up in Muskogee

Today marked the grand opening of the new Post Office in Muskogee, kicking off the beginning of a new era for the United States Postal Service in Muskogee.

Since 1965, the Muskogee Post Office has been located on West Okmulgee Avenue, in a building with one-direction access and minimal parking. Although the new office, on the southeast end of Arrowhead Mall in part of what used to be the Sears Department Store, is 18,000 square feet compared to the previous 26,000 square feet, Muskogee Postman Chris Baker told the Muskogee Phoenix that it "will be more efficient."

For decades, visitors to the post office could only enter from the eastbound lanes of Okmulgee, and had about 14 parking spaces to choose from in front, plus a few parallel spots on the one-way side street. Backing out from the narrow front parking strip could be risky business, especially if a vehicle was next to you, as visibility was limited.

Now, the post office parking is virtually unlimited, as some 250+ spots are in the old Sears area, in addition to the adjacent parking for the rest of Arrowhead Mall.

The new post office is sharp, clean, and visually appealing. It's nice to see the old Sears space back in use, rather than sitting vacant as it has for the last five or so years.

All in all, it's a win for Arrowhead Mall, it's a win for the Post Office, and it's a big win for customers.