Postal Regulatory Commission Denies USPS January Rate Hike Request
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Aug 25, 2026

On August 21, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) denied the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) request for a waiver, concluding that USPS had not demonstrated good cause for deviating from existing rules, had not shown that the proposed change would be consistent with the public interest, and had failed to establish that the request would not unfairly prejudice other participants in the proceeding. The Commission's order cited industry concerns on multiple occasions, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to the regulatory framework governing postal rate adjustments.

The decision preserves the current schedule for calculating and implementing density authority. As a result, if USPS seeks to utilize density authority in FY 2027, it must follow the established timeline and wait until its April filing for a potential July implementation. Alternatively, the Postal Service could pursue a CPI-only adjustment through an October 2027 filing for implementation the following January.

For printers, publishers, and other mailing industry stakeholders, the ruling reinforces the value of regulatory predictability and stakeholder participation in the postal ratemaking process. Maintaining established procedures helps ensure adequate review of proposed changes and allows businesses that rely on the mail to make informed operational, production, and budgeting decisions.

PRINTING United Alliance supports the PRC decision and will continue to monitor postal regulatory developments and advocate for policies that support a stable, transparent, and affordable mailing environment.

The order may be found here.

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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