Complications Abound on Raise

The 2.1 percent default amount would be significant only if Congress fails to enact a raise figure before January. Such a scenario did play out twice in recent years, although both times later action overrode the default figure and provided a higher raise, which was paid retroactively—although in many cases employees had to wait many months to receive the additional money. The White House has issued statements against the 3.1 percent figure pending in the appropriations bills, although it has not threatened a veto over the raise amount. If the 3.1 percent raise ultimately is enacted, it likely would be broken out as 2.1 percentage points paid across the board for general schedule employees and the funds for the other percentage point divided up as locality pay. The Federal Salary Council, an advisory group, recently made that recommendation, although a final decision typically is not made until late in the calendar year.