William Burrus  APWU President

Ask the President

Question:

Please ask Postmaster General Potter this question: If the Postal Service raises the price of stamps every May, it will have a negative affect on the African-American Heritage Stamp series.

African-American Heritage stamps are issued every year in January. With rate increases every May, the heritage stamps will only be viable for four months each year. (The heritage stamps are not re-issued.)

This is a disservice to our customers. How will the Postal Service fix this?

Archie, Las Vegas Area Local

President Burrus:

Thank you for your inquiry. As requested, I have asked Postmaster General John E. Potter about the Postal Service’s plans to address this dilemma.

In addition to the written response from Mr. Potter [PDF], he and I had an informal discussion on the subject. PMG Potter assured me that the Postal Service is aware of the impact of annual rate adjustments on commemorative stamps. (The problem is not limited to the African-American Heritage Stamps: It will affect other commemorative stamps that are issued annually as well.)

As the PMG’s letter indicates, the subject is under review and several options are being considered. Perhaps the best option would be to endorse all new commemorative issues as “Forever” stamps, giving them lifetime utility.

As I receive additional information on this issue, I will inform the membership.

May 15, 2008