http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0106B1-talker0106.html

Remember to add your 2 cents to 1st-class letters on Sunday

Jan. 6, 2006 12:00 AM

The new 39-cent postage rate for a first-class letter takes effect on Sunday.

U.S. Postal Service officials say there are plenty of the 2-cent stamps at post offices for customers to use with their remaining 37-cent stamps. The 2-cent stamp features a Navajo silver and turquoise necklace.

The service also is increasing many other rates and fees. It's the first rate hike since June 2002.

The new first-class letter rate is almost four times what it was in September 1975, when it only cost a dime to send an ounce of mail. It has nearly doubled since November 1981, when it cost 20 cents for a letter to reach its destination.

Despite the increases, postal officials say their rates remain among the most affordable in the country for the 212 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages they deliver each year.

Info: http://usps.com

- Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor