Postal service mail backups affecting Louisville’s small businesses

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Horses have been Debbie Foley’s life for nearly 50 years.

“We train American Saddlebred horses. We have world championship quality horses. This mare here is our world grand champion,” Foley said, pointing to a picture. 

Her walls are decorated in her horses’ accomplishments.

75 horses are under her care at Silver Brook Stables, as the owner and trainer. Business has been tough for the last at least month because of the United States Postal Service backup. 

“Thank goodness, at the end of January, I sold a horse and got some additional income because what income I received in two checks wouldn’t cover half of one of my weeks of payroll,” said Foley. “These people certainly want to be paid.” 

USPS has blamed the inclement weather in January for the backup. Foley said she’s not able to receive or send out bills on time which has led to fees. 

Her animals are feeling the effects too, not getting supplements and medication in the mail like usual. One horse needs his liver support medication daily.

“I receive it every month and I have yet to receive January or February’s medication for that horse,” said Foley.

She’s not the only one looking for answers. Louisville Congressman Morgan McGarvey sent his second letter to the Postmaster General in Washington D.C., Friday. In the letter, he questions General Louis DeJoy about claims of poor staffing and keep-up of machines.

McGarvey even points to reports of specific problems in the facility on Gardiner Lane.

“For the Postmaster General to just blame this on weather in light of all the reports we’ve seen and heard on staffing shortages and broken equipment was really frustrating,” McGarvey said. “That’s why we’re following back with him. That’s why we’re pushing him because Louisvillians deserve their mail and we want those answers.”

Meanwhile, Foley is stuck coordinating with veterinarians for medications and doing what she can to keep her business afloat.

In a statement sent to WHAS11, the postal service said the organization will respond to Congressman McGarvey directly. WHAS11 followed up, reiterating the request for a response to these allegations, but have not received a response. 

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