Whether we live in a large city or a dirt road in the woods, every American is entitled to reliable mail service. When the Postal Service fails to meet that standard, there should be transparency and accountability.

That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation this week that would force the Postal Service to be more responsive to the communities it serves. If you read these newsletters frequently, you’ve probably seen my frustration about how the agency gives little warning and minimal updates when taking action such as closing a post office. (Residents in West Paris know this all too well.) My INFORM Act would require the bare minimum from officials: Post physical notices at affected post offices well in advance and keep the public informed about proposed changes, impacts, timelines, and opportunities for input. 

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s intention to make the Postal Service more efficient sounds great in theory, but it's clear that this work has ultimately slowed delivery times across rural Maine and blindsided families and small businesses in the process. Along with my other ongoing work to reform the agency, I’m determined to push solutions like this that keep the public informed and the mail arriving timely.

Maine’s working forests are a distinct part of our identity, thanks to the passionate work of generations. To carry on that proud tradition, young Mainers need the personal investment that comes only from experiencing something with your own two hands — an opportunity I’m trying to open up for more people with legislation this week.

The Future Logging Careers Act would allow 16-year-olds to work in their family’s logging business under parental supervision, something already possible on farms but illegal in the logging industry. That’s a basic, commonsense change that puts our historic industry on a level playing field with the rest of the agricultural sector. It’s also been a top priority for folks I’ve talked to in the industry, especially since 20 to 40 percent of forest product workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next ten years.

There’s a strong group of bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers pushing for this bill. Myself, Senator King, Senator Jim Risch from Idaho, and Congressman Glenn Thompson from Pennsylvania introduced the legislation in our respective chambers, and I’m grateful that Senator Collins and Congresswoman Pingree have cosponsored it, too. We’re already hard at work finding ways to get the legislation across the finish line over the next two years.

I want to hear from you about these issues and others that are important to people in our district. Our offices are ready to listen to any suggestions, comments, ideas, or concerns you have.

• Bangor Office: 6 State Street, Suite 101, Bangor ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400
• Caribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009
• Lewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767
• Washington Office: 1113 Longworth HOB, Washington DC 20515. Phone: (202) 225-6306