Local mail service is in crisis, and it will likely get worse if the federal government follows through with a proposal to move a Springfield letter distribution center to St. Louis, contended a group that gathered Monday in a public forum at Lincoln Land Community College.
The meeting, led by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, explored why only 59% of local mail is delivered on time. She noted that just seven years ago, 93% was being delivered promptly.
“The Postal Service is a lifeline in rural communities, and lagging delivery rates have meant delayed prescriptions, late bills, missed paychecks and much more,” she said. “It’s unacceptable and the administration should do better.”


