Grassroots Engagement Is Paramount

Grassroots Engagement Is Paramount
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

In my past columns, I have written about NAPS branches’ financial duties and responsibilities. I have strongly recommended that a branch treasurer check their local and state tax laws as they differ from state to state.

The IRS has changed reporting requirements for federal tax returns pertaining to Form 1099 from income of $600 or more to $2,000 or more. This change is in effect for 2026. If you are filing a Form 1099 for your 2025 taxes, you still are required to report income of $600 or more.

The reason I am, once again, urging you to check local and state tax law requirements is because the great state of Rhode Island changed its regulation for 1099s in January 2026. In Rhode Island, you now are required to file a 1099 for income of $100 or more.

This is why it is important to check federal, state and local tax regulations yearly. Changes could occur of which you may not be aware. It’s always good practice to have a tax preparer submit your branch’s yearly return.

Our state convention season is fully underway! It is great to see NAPS branches meeting for the betterment of our members and our association. The enthusiasm and drive I am witnessing at the state conventions is incredible and inspiring; attendance has been very positive.

It’s also encouraging to see many first-timers attend; they are the future of NAPS. There will be a time when the baton needs to be passed. It is reassuring to see many new supervisors becoming engaged.

Mentoring is a key element to developing our future leaders. We need to share our knowledge, wisdom and experiences with them so they have the ability and opportunity to succeed and thrive into the future.

This year’s state conventions are extremely important as the work accomplished there will give NAPS direction and guidance going into the future. As many of you are aware, we had a pay agreement in July 2025; the agreement ended in May. NAPS will start pay talks once the NALC (the largest union) reaches an agreement with the Postal Service.

All the resolutions pertaining to pay and benefits submitted at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 national conventions were submitted to the Postal Service and discussed during our last pay talk meetings in 2025. Resolutions that were passed at the previous conventions and addressed with the Postal Service no longer will be brought up for consideration.

At many of the recent state conventions, resolutions were passed pertaining to pay. They now will be sent to Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore. He will submit these resolutions to be addressed by the membership at our upcoming national convention in San Francisco this August.

I am sure many of the same issues brought up in the past will be brought up again in San Francisco, which is a good thing as we continue to pursue fair wages and benefits. If a resolution pertaining to pay and benefits is passed, the “resolveds” will be part of our agenda at the next pay talks meeting, along with other requests of your resident officers.

These resolutions are the avenue for members to inform your resident officers and NAPS Executive Board members of your thoughts and concerns regarding the future direction of NAPS — not just issues pertaining to pay and benefits. We have a very important convention coming up in San Francisco this August. Business will be conducted that could affect everyone’s future — whether you’re an active employee or retired. You have a voice; let it be heard!

And remember, increasing membership demonstrates leadership. Stay safe!