Presser foot lever stuck

Question

I have a Simplicity Heavy Duty Performer S110 that I haven't used in about a year. I pulled it out of the closet to hem some pants. The plastic lever that raises the presser foot no longer works. I can't get the lever to budge at all. Tried oiling it and still nothing. Everything else works fine. I'm afraid to put too much pressure on the lever since it's plastic and seems like if I push too much it will break off. Do you have any suggestions before I drag it down to the repair shop? Thank you!!