MCPHERSON, KS – Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) has a long history of support for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Rural residents depend heavily on the USPS for daily business transactions, communications, and as a vehicle for growth of the rural economy.
Recent operational restructuring has curtailed service across the nation, particularly in rural areas. Further consolidation of rural post offices, the potential elimination of Saturday and door-to-door delivery, coupled with the loss of good paying postal jobs over the entire nation, will negatively affect the economy.
Rural America will be dealt a first class blow under this misguided policy. Local and regional newspaper delivery to outlying areas will be delayed for days. This not only damages the circulation numbers of the newspapers but also devalues local information and advertising.
“We rely on the mail for many things,” says KFU member Tom Giessel of Larned, KS. “I rely on it in my billing from my farm cooperative. They allow discounts if you pay within five days from receipt of the bill. And, you know, if they keep slowing the mail down then I don’t get it in time to get a discount,” Giessel says.
Postmaster General since 2020, Louis DeJoy is responsible for inconsistent handling of first-class mail, decommissioning high-speed sorting machines, forming bigger regional processing hubs that slowed delivery to rural customers, and six postage rate hikes since 2021.
During its state convention held in November, Kansas Farmers Union members passed a Special Order of Business calling for the immediate removal of current Postmaster General DeJoy by the United States Postal Service Board of Governors.
The Special Order of Business reads, “The replacement should be an advocate for a Postal Service that meets the needs of the American people, and Kansas Farmers Union members stand firm in our conviction to protect this great freedom and commonwealth from attacks and privatization.”
About Kansas Farmers Union – Since 1907, Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) has worked to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and their communities. Kansas Farmers Union represents its members, who are engaged in diverse farming and ranching pursuits, through education, legislation, and cooperation.
