In July 2006, the U. S. Postal Service first proposed the Forever Stamp and the details of the stamp are exactly what its name portrays-forever. That means that no matter when the Stamp is used for first ounce, First Class mail, it will be valid and not ever require additional postage when the rate increases. The purpose of the Forever stamp is to make the transition to higher-rate stamps a little easier for the consumer.

The Postal Service's first class rate increase to 42 cents and the proposed Forever Stamp should be ruled on by the independent Postal Regulatory Commission on Monday. If approved, the board of governors of the Postal Service will take the matter back up and schedule its rate increases.

According to an AP article, Postmaster General John E. Potter stated that rising costs affect the postal service like it affects everyone else. A gasoline rate increase of one penny costs the postal service approximately $8 million. Also, Internet use has affected the U.S. Postal Service, with email correspondence growing worldwide and the capability to pay bills online, first class snail mail has been steadily declining.