Postal Stamps to Rise this Month

BRADENTON – According to the U.S. Postal Service, consumers will begin paying more for postage stamps this month. The price of "Forever" stamps will jump 1 cent to $.46 on January 27. Prior to the 27th, consumers can stock up on the old stamps at their current $.45 price.

The new 46-cent Forever stamps will still allow customers to mail letters to any location in the United States and like previous Forever stamps, they are always good for mailing a one-ounce letter anytime in the future regardless of price changes.

In the first of the new series, the USPS commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared that all slaves in the rebel states to be free. Other series slated for 2013 include Modern art in America and civil rights icon Rosa Parks.

The USPS is also introducing a new "Global" Forever stamp, which will allow consumers to send their letters anywhere in the world for $1.10. Postcards will also increase 1-cent to $.33, while additional ounces on letters remains 20 cents each.