State legislators urge US Senate to protect rural postal services

Oklahoma Lawmakers Urge U.S. Senators to Protect Reliable Rural Postal Service

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 19th) — As the U.S. Senate considers nominees to the United States Postal Service Board of Governors, Oklahoma lawmakers and rural community leaders are urging the state's U.S. Senators to ensure the Postal Service remains committed to dependable mail service for rural communities.

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:

Lucas statement on House United States Postal Service Legislation

Lucas Statement on House United States Postal Service Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8015- the Delivering for America Act. Lucas opposed the legislation.

“There is no question about it, whether you live in rural western Oklahoma or the suburbs of Oklahoma City or Tulsa, the United States Postal Service provides a vital service to Oklahomans. From ensuring vital goods are delivered to the doorsteps of those who call rural America home to playing a critical part in our nation’s democratic process, the USPS has long executed its public service mission of providing prompt, reliable, and efficient postal services to the American people.

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.