USPS Postal Rate Increases Proposed For 1/26/2014

Just announced a short time ago:

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/cas...s-8C11254566

Although the first class rate (49c) wouldn't mean much for "Forever" stamp issues, for us stamp collectors it means we can look fowrard to a myriad of new definitive stamps in the next 100 days or so to accommodate these new rates, including a new postcard rate (34c) and second ounce (21c) increases.

As I see it, we'll be in store for at least:

1. Replacement of 46c denominated stamps to 49c denominated stamps for high volume users.
2. Replacement of the 20c George Washington definitive with something of a 21c denomination.
3. Replacement of the second ounce 66c stamps with 70c stamps.
4. Replacement of the third ounce 86c stamps with 91c stamps.
5. Replacement of postcard rate issues from 33c stamps to 34c stamps.

And no one has yet mentioned anything about International rates or Priority Mail Express rates and stamps.

Of course, it is all still subject to PRC approval, but one can expect that will be an easy process.

Here's a related news article that goes a step further to suggest the proposals include increasing International Rate stamps from $1.10 to $1.15, however the "Global Forever" stamp currently in use will not require a specific new stamp to cover that rate increase:

https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link...news26s1.htm

I assume we were getting a new butterfly(2oz) stamp anyway. I'm guessing the 3oz will be another bird issue?

I wonder what the 4oz and greater International parcel rates will be. They more than doubled last time.