HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester held a press call Thursday, July 2 to discuss healthcare, Amtrak and the U.S. Postal Service’s role in rural communities.
Tester said, Amtrak’s recent budget proposal that minimizes long distance passenger service would leave 3,700 people out of work and he wants an explanation.
“I have asked the CEO of Amtrak for an explanation. I told him if Congress is going to continue to support Amtrak, we need a commitment about the long-distance rail routes that impact rural states like Montana.”
Tester said the CARES Act includes about $1 billion dollars in funding for Amtrak and due to this, he believes it’s now their turn to uphold their end of the bargain.
Tester then discussed the U.S. Postal Service and said he still believes it’s a crucial service for rural Montana.
“Some people think that it just needs to go away because people don’t use it anymore – they couldn’t be further from the truth. Quite frankly we’re seeing more need for the United States Postal Service than ever before because it plays such an essential role in remote areas across our state.”
Tester concluded that any post office closures, or price increases would be devastating for rural communities and seniors living in remote areas that require medical supplies and other necessary services delivered to them.
