Peoria Standard

U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) have issued a statement in response to a letter from U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The letter reveals that the United States Postal Service (USPS) will "pause any implementation of moves" for Mail Processing Centers "at least until after January 1, 2025."

In their statement, the representatives expressed their satisfaction with the USPS's decision, but also conveyed their ongoing commitment to safeguarding local jobs and mail services. They stated: “The Peoria Processing and Distribution Center provides essential services for residents in the communities we serve, and any action that would jeopardize local jobs or diminish customer service is unacceptable. We are pleased that the USPS has committed to pausing any potential changes through 2024, but will continue to work to protect Peoria and downstate Illinois jobs and ensure smooth operation of mail services in Peoria and Central Illinois.”

Earlier this year, Reps. LaHood and Sorensen had voiced serious concerns about the USPS' Mail Processing Facility Review (MPFR) of the Peoria Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) facility in a letter addressed to Postmaster DeJoy.