The Postal Rate Commission issued a press release on Tuesday announcing it approved a postage rate increase expected to take effect in early 2006. The cost of a first-class stamp will go up two cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will be raised to 24 cents. Of media mail it said, "The Commission found that the rates sought for books and media materials was too low to cover the cost of handling that mail, and recommended a 12.7% increase."
