Regarding Postal Increases

Dear Mr. Hodes,

In response to your response, I want to point out that there is not a non-profit periodical 'industry' per se. There are small "labor of love" or community based publications operating on a shoestring budget and published individuals or small groups of people who are seriously affected by these rate increases. The impact of postal increases on these publications is enormous, and indirectly creates an impact upon freedom of the press, free speech, and the ability to enjoy and participate in our representative democracy. In a world where media is controlled by a handful of corporations, the survival of small publications is more important than ever.

Sincerely,

Frederick Moe

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Dear Frederick,

Thank you for contacting me about your concerns about the recent postal rate increases. I appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts with me.

The United States Postal Services (USPS) increased postage rates effective May 14, 2007. The USPS's Board of Governors raised the price for first class mail to $0.41. The Board of Governors increased the rates to all types of mail, except for periodicals, whose rates will be changed in mid July.

The USPS is increasing prices to keep up with its operating costs. I expressed concern to the Board of Governors of the USPS in one instance where I thought the increase was excessive-the up to 36% rate increase for the catalog and non-profit periodical industry.

I will continue to follow the rate increases to make sure that they are reasonable and not too severe. It is important that the USPS prices allow mailing services to be accessible to all Americans.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. If you would like information on this or any other issue, visit my website at http://hodes.house.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future to express your views or if I can be of help on any matter.

Sincerely,
Paul Hodes
Member of Congress