First class 18 cents, postcards 12 on March 22

The cost of mailing a first-class letter will go up to 18 cents effective March 22, the Postal Service Board of Governors announced Tuesday. Board chairman Robert Hardesty said, however, the new rate is being put into effect under protest because the recommendation from the Postal Rate Commission ignores the Postal Service's need for even more money. The new rates also will boost the cost of mailing a postcard to 12 cents, a two-cent increase.