[Dx-qsl] U.S. Postal rates set to go up to $0.41 on May 14

[Jim Reisert AD1C]

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, Associated Press Writer Mon Mar 19, 5:38 PM ET

WASHINGTON - The cost of mailing a letter will go 
up on May 14, but you'll be able to lock in that 
price ­ no matter how rates rise in the future ­ 
by buying the new "forever" stamp.

The post office governing board agreed Monday to 
accept the new 41-cent rate for first class mail 
recommended in February by the independent Postal Regulatory Commission.

The board also agreed to the proposal for a 
"forever stamp," that will always be valid for 
mailing a letter no matter how much rates increase.

James C. Miller III, chairman of the postal 
board, said the forever stamp could go on sale as 
soon as next month, at the 41-cent rate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070319/ap_on_go_ot/postal_rates

The rates taking effect May 14 include:

• Letters, bill payments, greeting cards: 41 
cents for the first ounce, up from 39 cents.

• Wedding invitation (2-ounces), 58 cents, down from 63 cents.

• Postcard, 26 cents, up from 24 cents.

• Priority mail flat-rate envelope, $4.60, up from $4.05.

• Express Mail flat-rate envelope, $16.25, up from $14.40.

• Parcel Post, 1-pound package, $4.50, up from 3.95.

• Bank statement, 2 ounces, presorted, 45.9 cents, down from 54.4 cents.

• Utility bill, barcoded, 31.2 cents, up from 29.3 cents.