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USPS Honors the Simpsons

POSTAL SERVICE PRICES INCREASE MAY 11
2 CENTS MORE FOR A POSTAGE STAMP

United States Postal Services -- May 8, 2009

DALLAS, TX – Postage will increase this Monday, and a First Class stamp will go from 42 to 44 cents. However, customers can continue to mail letters at today’s prices by purchasing the Forever Stamp before May 11. They purchase them at www.usps.com, by selecting, “find a post office,” and “alternate locations to buy stamps.” This route will save time, energy and fuel, and allow them to buy their stamps online or at the nearest postal retail site.

“The Forever Stamps were developed to help consumers ease the transition during price changes,” said Pat Williams, Dallas Postmaster. “Forever Stamps do not have a denomination and will be honored whenever they are used with no need for additional postage for a one-ounce letter mailing. On May 11, the price of a Forever Stamp will be 44 cents.”

Rising operational costs make the price adjustments necessary; the increase tracks the 2008 rate of inflation. “The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across Dallas today,” Ms. Williams explained. “Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world.”

For the average household, the First-Class Mail stamp price change will represent an additional $3 over the course of the year. When compared to annual increases in other household expenses, such as groceries, healthcare and utilities, the Postal Service continues to be an economical choice for shipping and mailing during tough economic times. For First-Class Mail, there will be no changes in the current additional ounce price, which remains at 17 cents.

Other price changes on May 11 include:

A postcard increases a penny to 28 cents. The first ounce of a large envelope (flat) increases 5 cents to 88 cents.
The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22.

New First-Class Mail International postcard and letter (first ounce) prices are:
Canada – 75 cents
Mexico – 79 cents
Other countries – 98 cents

The New 44-Cent First-Class Stamp

The Simpsons, currently in its 20th year as a regularly scheduled half-hour series, is the longest-running comedy in television history. The show is a cultural phenomenon, recognizable throughout the world.

“We are excited to celebrate The Simpsons on postage stamps,” said U.S. Postal Service Executive Director of Stamp Services David Failor. “Eyebrow-raising to say the least, this witty, well-written pop icon continues to irreverently satire its parody of a middle-class family as it lampoons American culture. The Simpsons stamps, which includes known philatelists Bart Simpson, will serve as a great opportunity to interest youngsters into stamp collecting.”

“This is the biggest and most adhesive honor The Simpsons has ever received,” said Matt Groening, creator and executive producer of The Simpsons.

“We are emotionally moved by the Postal Service selecting us rather than making the lazy choice of someone who has benefited society,” said James L. Brooks, executive producer of The Simpsons.

Simpsons Beat the Odds

The U.S. Postal Service receives approximately 50,000 suggestions for stamp subjects each year, yet only about 20 topics are selected for postage. The Simpsons is the only television show to be featured as the sole subject of a stamp set while still in primetime production.

Stamp Selection Process

How does the Postal Service sort through 50,000 stamp subject suggestions annually to reach a final cut of approximately 20 topics selected for circulation? To help in this selection process, the Postmaster General established the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee 50 years ago. Members are appointed to the Committee by the Postmaster General. They reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise.