Forever Stamps are Good Forever

Preparing for Postage Increase.

United States Postal Service

It will cost an additional one cent to mail a first-class letter starting May 12, 2008 but “Forever Stamps” are good forever.

The price of a first-class stamp will increase from 41 to 42 cents on May 12, 2008, according to the United States Postal Service. However, consumers have the option to purchase “Forever Stamps” at the current stamp cost; these stamps can be used beyond the May 12 increase date.

“The Postal Service developed the Forever Stamp for consumers to ease the transition during price changes,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “We encourage Americans to buy Forever Stamps now for 41 cents, because like the name suggests, they are good forever.”   The price for the Forever Stamp goes up to 42 cents on May 12.

The Postal Service sold five billion Forever Stamps in the first 10 months of availability, with an additional five billion in stock before the price change announcement.

New postage prices effective May 12 include:

• First-class mail letter (1 oz.) from 41¢ to 42¢.
• First-class mail letter (2 oz.) from 58¢ to 59¢.
• Postcard from 26¢ to 27¢.
• Large envelope (2 oz.) from 97¢ to $1.00.
• First-class mail international letter (1oz.) from 90¢ to 94¢.

Postage prices for mailing services will be adjusted annually each May, the Postal Service said.

This article and hundreds more can be found on the “Member Library” at the NEA Member Benefits Web Site at www.neamb.com.