Non-profit postal rates set to go up; new regulations likely to pass.

Not-for-profit organizations are in for a big surprise. The Senate has voted to overhaul the postal-rate system for all non-profit groups, which will have a major impact on rates and regulations. Although lobbyists for non-profit groups hope to press Congress for a later effective date, as it stands now the new regulations will be effective on October 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

The plan is similar to one already passed by the House. Under the new plan, non-profits will pay higher rates that would gradually increase over a six-year period. Annual increases will amount to about 4.5 percent. At the end of the six-year period, non-profit organizations will be paying …