Advocating for a Strong Postal System in our Nation's Capital
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Oct 5, 2026

Photo L to R: Stephanie Buka, government affairs manager, PRINTING United Alliance, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, co-chair Postal Caucus, Ashley Poling, Commissioner, PRC, Holly Lubart, vice president, government relations, News Media Alliance

On September 14-15, PRINTING United Alliance Government Affairs Manager Stephanie Buka traveled to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the industry to participate in several Keep US Posted events supporting key congressional champions of the postal community. Using PrintPAC resources, the Alliance joined industry leaders and stakeholders in recognizing the leadership of Congressional Postal Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), as well as Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations, which oversees postal issues. These lawmakers have played important roles in advancing policies that support the U.S. Postal Service and the businesses, organizations, and consumers that depend on a reliable and affordable mail system.

The visit also included a happy hour hosted by Keep US Posted Executive Director and former Congressman Kevin Yoder, which brought together congressional staff, postal stakeholders, and industry advocates. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with key postal policymakers and staff, including members of the Congressional Postal Caucus. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Postmaster General David Steiner and Postal Regulatory Commissioner Ashley Poling on issues affecting the future of the mailing and shipping community.

As a mail-intensive industry, printing companies rely on a strong and financially sustainable Postal Service to deliver products, connect businesses with customers, and support commerce throughout the country. Participating in these events helps ensure that the printing industry maintains a voice in policy discussions impacting postal operations, service performance, pricing, and long-term reform efforts.

PrintPAC enables the Alliance to support federal candidates and elected officials who understand the value of the printing, mailing, and graphic communications industry. Through strategic engagement opportunities such as these, the Alliance continues to build relationships with policymakers and advocate for policies that strengthen the industry and the postal network on which so many businesses depend.

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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