LETTER TO POSTMASTER GENERAL LOUIS DEJOY

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy,

I write to you as a concerned citizen about recent mail delivery delays.

Recent reports suggest your office has made operational changes including ending overtime for postal workers, instructing postal workers to leave mail behind at distribution centers if they are unable to collect all their mail at the beginning of their shifts, and requiring postal workers to return mail they did not deliver to the distribution center.

Additionally, these reports suggest that routes of postal workers on vacation will no longer be covered, with mail deliveries ceasing while their letter carrier is on vacation, and late trips will no longer be authorized. As I am sure you understand, I find these reports deeply concerning and worry that they are a direct result of your new directives.

As a public service, the USPS is legally required to deliver mail, to all postal addresses in all regions, at a flat rate, no matter how far it may have to travel. The service’s affordability and contunied accessibility are essential for rural communities, especially those with high poverty rates. In many areas where reliable broadband is not an option, the Postal Service is their only link to medicine, social security checks, and family members. Nearly 18% of Americans pay their bills by mail. Among adults over 40 who take medication for a chronic condition, 20% get those pills by mail order. Under new social distancing mandates, the Postal Service has become even more essential in keeping rural communities connected and economically viable, allowing rural consumers the ability to get groceries, medical supplies, and other essential goods delivered to their doorstep.

While I understand the serious and ongoing financial challenges facing the USPS, I am gravely concerned that operational decisions that knowingly cause the USPS to fail to meet its own service delivery standards could cause catastrophic harm to people all over the country.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that you respond to the following questions:

1. How will the USPS ensure that service delivery standard are met?

2. What staffing shortages exist and what, if any, efforts are being made to eliminate them?

3. What measures is the USPS taking to protect the integrity of our democratic elections, ensure ballots are handled securely and being delivered on time?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response to my questions about delayed mail delivery.

Sincerely,

(your name, location + email address)

send to:

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Room 10300

Washington, D.C.

20260-2200