National

U.S. postage rates are going down

Star news services
The Richard Allen stamp now on sale at post offices for 49 cents will cost 2 cents less after April 10. That’s because of a postage rate decline that goes into effect that day affecting the Allen stamp and other such “forever” stamps. Richard Allen was a 19th century preacher and civic leader who was honored as part of the Postal Service’s Black Heritage series of stamps. The Allen stamp is the 39th in the series, which began with abolitionist Harriet Tubman on a 1978 stamp.
The Richard Allen stamp now on sale at post offices for 49 cents will cost 2 cents less after April 10. That’s because of a postage rate decline that goes into effect that day affecting the Allen stamp and other such “forever” stamps. Richard Allen was a 19th century preacher and civic leader who was honored as part of the Postal Service’s Black Heritage series of stamps. The Allen stamp is the 39th in the series, which began with abolitionist Harriet Tubman on a 1978 stamp. USPS

No, this is no April Fool’s joke: The price of stamps actually is going down.

On April 10, the 49-cent rate for first-class stamps will drop by 2 cents to 47 cents.

That’s because a temporary boost allowed in 2014 — which raised the rate to 49 cents — has expired.

The U.S. Postal Service fought the rate reduction, arguing that “this mandatory action will worsen the Postal Service’s financial condition.”

According to the magazine Linn’s Stamp News, it’s the first time general postage rates have dropped since 1919.

“Forever” stamps that now cost 49 cents to buy will still be valid for postage, but when purchased after April 10, they’ll cost 2 cents less.

Some other rates also will drop April 10, such as the current 35-cent rate for post cards, which will drop a penny to 34 cents.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 6:18 PM with the headline "U.S. postage rates are going down."

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