25 First-Class Postage to Take Effect on April 3

WASHINGTON — The Postal Board of Governors gave final approval today to a 3-cent increase in the cost of mailing a first-class letter and announced an April 3 effective date for the new 25-cent stamp.

The presidentially appointed panel approved the hikes, ranging from 13.6% for first-class mail to 25% for advertising bulk mail, in a private meeting and announced its decision at a news conference.

The Postal Service estimates the new rates will add less than $10 a year to the average American’s mailing bill.

A first-class stamp has cost 22 cents since February, 1985, and the Postal Service plans to sell a transitional “E-Stamp” with a picture of Earth before it releases a new 25-cent standard version.