NY Democrat urges postmaster general to reconsider stamp price increases

Rep. Richie Torres, R-New York, urged U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider raising the price tag by about 8%, arguing that it would have a “disparate” impact on those fighting inflation, especially seniors. There is.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Postal Service filed a notice with regulators to increase the price of first-class stamps from 68 cents to 73 cents.

The 7.8% increase will take effect on July 14 if approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. This proposal is the second price increase this year and the fifth in two years.

Another proposed change would increase the price of domestic postcards from 53 cents to 56 cents and international postcards from $1.55 to $1.65.

DeJoy previously warned postal users to get used to “uncomfortable” price increases as the Postal Service seeks to rebuild its finances.The agency is expected to lose This year it’s $6.3 billion.

Torres is currently speaking out against the proposed price increases, citing the impact they would have on low-income households and people without internet access.

“An 8% increase in stamp prices will have a disparate impact on those hit hardest by inflation, especially seniors who are struggling to make ends meet,” Torres wrote in a letter first shared with The Hill. Probably.”

“When you live on a fixed income, every dollar counts. If you fall into the wrong direction of the digital divide, the postal service becomes a necessity, not a luxury. We have an obligation to ensure that the services we provide are affordable to low-income families living in the United States and without internet access,” the New York representative said in a letter to Mr. DeJoy on Tuesday.

“We urge the U.S. Postal Service to seriously reconsider its price hikes, which will amplify the effects of inflation and impose financial burdens on those who can least afford it.”

In a statement to The Hill, USPS said the price increases are necessary to get back on track financially.

“As the postal and shipping market continues to change, these price adjustments are necessary to help organizations achieve the financial stability they seek.” Deliver to America 10 year plan. “USPS prices remain the most affordable in the world,” it said in a statement.

This article was updated at 4:42 p.m.