Q. Why is the price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp being increased to 55 cents on May 14?
A. The law creating the stamp states that the price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp must meet certain requirements. The Governors of the Postal Service determined to raise the price in order to meet the requirements of the law creating the stamp and in connection with the increase in the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate increase.
Q. What if a customer bought the stamp when the First-Class Mail rate was 39 cents and uses the stamp now, when the rate is 41 cents, or even later when rates go up?
A. The postage value of each semipostal stamp is the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate in DMM Section 133.1.5, Rates for Letters, Flats, and Parcels, that is in effect at the time of purchase. Additional postage must be affixed to pieces weighing in excess of 1 ounce, pieces subject to the nonmachinable surcharge, or pieces for which extra services have been elected. The postage value of semipostal stamps purchased before any subsequent change in the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate is unaffected by any subsequent change in that rate. Customers are welcome to use any Breast Cancer Research semi–postal stamps they purchased when lower rates were in effect, but if stamps were purchased before the rate change, they should affix additional postage to reach the appropriate rate based on the size and weight of their mailpiece. There is, however, no easy way to determine when these stamps were purchased, so we assume the stamps are being used properly for the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate in effect at the time the stamp is used for postage. Consequently, pieces bearing the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp should not be treated as shortpaid.
Q. How long will the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp be on sale?
A. The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be on sale through December 31, 2007. The end date was established by recent legislation. The Postal Service is very proud of the fact that the stamp has raised more than $53 million for research.
— Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 4-12-07
