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For broadcast on CBS Radio Networks stations 
March 9-10, 2002:


Backfield in motion.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

 
Postage rates may go up at the end of June. Then again, they 
may not go up until the end of September. The Postal Rate 
Commission is studying a settlement negotiated between the 
Postal Service and major mailers right now. If the panel 
decides more information is needed, that'll push back the
rate hike.


Despite the uncertainty, the stamps people at the Postal 
Service are making plans "just in case" the earlier date is 
applied, which is what most people expect. That includes 
delaying the Irving Berlin stamp two months, until this 
summer. Other stamps will be moved, too, and new ones added 
to the schedule.


No one wants to issue a popular stamp right before a rate 
change, only to see it become obsolete in a few weeks -- 
ESPECIALLY those who campaigned to have it issued.


Here's how it goes: 


{football crowd sound - establish and under}


The Postal Rate Commission takes the snap, fakes, and hands off 
to the Postal Service, which laterals to its stamps people, who 
head down the field, and--


{end sound abruptly}


And we'll have to wait and see.


That's stamp collecting this week. 


I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News.

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