It looks like it we’ll need to get used to the idea of postage rate hikes in May. From the Wall Street Journal (subscriber link):
The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 42 cents starting May 12, the U.S. Postal Service said Monday.
The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same time, meaning those stamps can still be purchased for 41 cents but will remain good for first-class postage after the rate increase takes effect.[...]
However, under the new law regulating the post office that took effect in late 2006, the agency is allowed to increase rates with 45-days notice as long as changes are within the rate of inflation for the previous 12 months. The Postal Regulatory Commission calculated that rate at 2.9% through January, limiting the first-class rate to an increase of just over a penny.
Folks sitting for CAS actuarial exams will surely note that the May annual postal rate change falls “conveniently” close to exam season. Since for CAS exams, candidates can mail themselves their exam booklets…well, this is just one additional consideration to make exam week so much “fun”.