Stamp raises more than $21 million to fight cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A special fund-raising postage stamp for breast cancer has brought in $21.5 million for research with a year left to circulate. <br><br>Under legislation passed by Congress, the breast

Thursday, July 26th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A special fund-raising postage stamp for breast cancer has brought in $21.5 million for research with a year left to circulate.

Under legislation passed by Congress, the breast cancer stamp will remain on sale until the summer of 2002.

The stamp, called a semipostal, sells for 40 cents and the amount of money received in excess of the 34-cent postage rate is donated to research into breast cancer.

So far some 312.7 million of the stamps have been sold.

The post office is currently seeking proposals for its next semipostal, to replace the breast-cancer stamp next year and to remain on sale through 2004.

Post office officials stressed that the money can only go to government agencies, not private charities or individuals, and there are strict rules on the kinds of topics that can be considered.