Some Rates Increase

Under the new law, the maximum special rate that may be authorized increased from the rate for level V of the executive schedule ($131,400 in 2005) to the rate for level IV of the executive schedule ($140,300). As a result, the payable special rates at the higher steps of grade GS-15 were increased on four special rate schedules-special rate tables 0220 (Johnston Island), 0565 and 0566 (Department of Defense air traffic controllers), and 0576 (selected Patent and Trademark Office employees involved in patent examination). In addition, three special rate schedules for certain clerical employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (tables 0543, 0546, and 0552) were increased slightly at grades GS-2 and GS-3 so that these schedules use current General Schedule within-grade increases, consistent with other special rate schedules.