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For broadcast on CBS Radio Network Stations 
September 8-9, 2001:


Here they come again.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.
 
At a recent briefing for the press, officials from the U-S 
Postal Service's office of stamp services said the annual 
stamp program would be getting smaller -- that is, fewer 
stamps each year. And, except for next year's 50-stamp 
Greetings From America set, there ARE fewer stamps scheduled 
next year than in recent years.


But wait -- let's read the fine print. That doesn't include 
rate change stamps -- stamps that are issued to meet the new 
rates. This year, we got hit with them twice -- last January 
when most of the rate changes took effect, and then this month, 
to cover July's additional rate hikes.


So there was a new two-ounce stamp -- twice -- and a new 
postcard rate George Washington stamp -- twice -- and a new 
two-ounce Love stamp -- twice.


Another rate hike request is pretty much certain. The Denver 
Post expects it to be filed next month, and for about ten 
percent. That means lots of new stamps.


Suddenly, next year's stamps don't seem like that much of a 
bargain.


And that's stamp collecting this week. 


I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News.

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