Klobuchar Urges USPS to Change Policy that Hurts Local Newspapers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General David Steiner to reconsider their recent policy changes that plan to lower service standards and eliminate end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation’s post offices, particularly in rural areas, disrupting service for local newspapers. For example, due to this policy change, the Kittson County Enterprise and Northeastern Minnesota’s Timberjay newspapers expect some customers will have their papers delayed at least one additional day due to this policy change. “I write to express concern about the impacts of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) recent policy changes on local newspapers and their subscribers,” wrote Klobuchar. “The Postal Service’s Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan lowers service standards and eliminates end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation’s post offices, particularly in rural areas.” “Local newspapers are already facing an existential crisis with ad revenues plummeting, newspapers closing, and many rural communities becoming 'news deserts' without access to local reporting. Minnesotans depend on local newspapers not only to find out the weather forecast or who won the big high school sports game, but also to keep them well-informed about local issues and hold local government officials accountable,” Klobuchar continued. “The United States Postal Service should be helping these local newspapers reach their communities, not making it more difficult for them to do their critical work.” The full letter is available here and below. Dear Mr. Steiner: I write to express concern about the impacts of the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) recent policy changes on local newspapers and their subscribers. The Postal Service’s Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) plan lowers service standards and eliminates end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation’s post offices, particularly in rural areas. In January 2025, the Postal Regulatory Commission issued an advisory opinion raising serious concerns about the plan’s negative impacts on rural communities while slowing mail delivery and failing to save costs. Despite the advisory opinion and opposition from postal workers and customers, USPS has continued to implement the policy which has resulted in disrupted service for local newspapers in Minnesota, especially those serving rural communities. Local newspapers are already facing an existential crisis with ad revenues plummeting, newspapers closing, and many rural communities becoming “news deserts”' without access to local reporting. Minnesotans depend on local newspapers not only to find out the weather forecast or who won the big high school sports game, but also to keep them well-informed about local issues and hold local government officials accountable. The Postal Service’s Regional Transportation Optimization plan — on top of its policy changes and rate hikes in recent years — has real impacts on local newspapers delivery, and local journalism and their subscribers are already paying the price. The United States Postal Service should be helping these local newspapers reach their communities, not making it more difficult for them to do their critical work. I urge you to address these burdens on local newspapers and ensure that the United States Postal Service is a viable, affordable delivery service for independent newspaper distribution so that the local newspapers that rely on the postal service can continue to serve their communities. ###