Brace Yourself, Illinois: New Mail Changes Could Cost You More

In further efforts to run more efficiently, the United States Postal Service has proposed price increases that would go into effect as early as this summer.

McConnell Adams, Townsquare Media Lansing

Illinois Mail Service Changes

We all may receive mail on a daily basis, but how often do you actually send mail that requires a stamp?

I send packages via USPS a couple times a month, but I only send stamped letters once every few months. With a large majority of Americans no longer using "snail mail", I can't help but wonder if all the efficiency and cost cutting measures USPS is implementing will even be worth it?

On April 2, 2025 the United States Postal Service implemented changes to delivery times, and so far it appears to be going swimmingly for most people in Illinois.

Basically, "junk" mail now has slower delivery times, while first class delivery times have stayed the same, (or have been upgraded in certain areas). These changes are meant to cuts costs and increase USPS efficiency, but apparently, changing delivery processes isn't enough.

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Are USPS Stamp Prices Increasing Soon?

A recent article from USA TODAY says;

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a handful of price increases last week, including a 5-cent increase for Forever Stamps, that could go into effect this summer.

While the First Class Forever stamps raising from 73 to 78 cents might not seem like a big deal, I think what irks me is the constant price increases. It truly feels like every time I do go to mail something I need to get new, more expensive stamps.

Here's the complete breakdown of the proposed price increases according to USA TODAY;

• First-Class Mail Forever stamp – 73 cents to 78 cents
• Additional-ounce price for single-piece letters – 28 cents to 29 cents
• Domestic postcards – 56 cents to 62 cents
• Letters (metered 1 ounce) – 69 cents to 74 cents
• Letters (1 ounce) – 73 cents to 78 cents
• International postcards – $1.65 to $1.70
• International letter (1 ounce) – $1.65 to $1.70

Again, for the record, I understand the price increases are mere cents, but is charging more for a service so many less people are using these days really going to help? The logic isn't really adding up for me.