Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Nobody’s using the word “reprieve,” but the postmaster general is pausing plans to relieve Springfield’s postal facilities of some of their responsibilities. Johnny Bishop, local president of the postal workers’ union, said during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

“Hopefully, this is a good start that he can pause everything,” Bishop told aldermen Tuesday. “It does say in here, until Jan. 1, 2025. Hopefully, we can get more done before that date gets here, then, keep our processing in Springfield.”

A downsizing would move Springfield’s processing responsibilities to St Louis. That may still happen, but it will be later.