I Fund Leads TSP Returns
The international stock (I) fund led the Thrift Savings Plan funds both in terms of monthly returns in September and …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersWhistleblower Measure Advances
Legislation designed to overturn federal court opinions of recent years that effectively limited what types of disclosures are considered protected …More
Expert’s View: Should You Take an Early Retirement?
Many federal employees look eagerly for an early retirement offer, writes benefits expert Reg Jones. “There are some questions you …More
Attempt to Halt Base Closings Pending
A measure to bar the round of base closings recently approved by President Bush is pending in the House, although …More
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 …More
Pay Raise Still in Play
One issue still to be finalized in the budget process is the size of the January 2006 federal pay raise. …More
Spending Authority Extended Temporarily
A temporary extension of government spending authority (Public Law 109-77) has been approved through November 18, preventing any potential disruptions …More
DHS, DoD Systems Still Pending
The hearings on personnel reforms are being held in the context of pending changes at the Defense and Homeland Security …More
GAO’s Views on Reforming Pay
GAO testified that pay reforms must be part of a broader strategy of change management and performance improvement initiatives and …More
Outside Reaction More Skeptical
At the hearing, the Government Accountability Office—a major player in the personnel reform debate–presented testimony supporting pay reform in concept, …More
Administration Pitches Pay Reform
The Bush administration has gone to Capitol Hill in seek of support for its proposal to revamp federal pay-setting and …More
COLA Count Hits 3.5 Percent
With one month to go in the counting period toward the January 2006 retiree cost-of-living adjustment, a 3.5 percent increase …More
Buyouts and Early Outs, by John Grobe
Under recently finalized rules, all federal agencies now have the authority to offer buyouts. In order to use this authority, …More
Expert’s View: Should You Elect a Survivor Annuity?
Federal retirement law requires that you elect a survivor annuity unless your spouse agrees in writing to a reduced annuity …More
Impact of Legislation Hard to Judge
Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office has said it was unable to estimate savings from enacting pending legislation (S-457) that would …More
New Charge Card Policy Also to Take Effect
A new Office of Management and Budget policy, effective October 1, seeks to tighten control over the government’s charge card …More
Highest Rate Now $344
The highest per diem rate, including both the lodging and meals and incidentals components, is Vail, Colo., a total of …More
New Per Diem Rates Taking Effect
New per diem rates for federal travelers are effective October 1, with the General Services Administration creating specific rates in …More
Stopgap Funding Moves Apparently Ahead
With the end of the current fiscal year ahead on Friday (September 30), budget leaders on Capitol Hill are sorting …More
Agency Hurricane Relief Activities
The Department of Homeland Security has compiled a list of federal agency activities related to Hurricane Katrina. To see what …More
Proposed Savings Target Retirement, Annuities, Parking
A group of conservative House Republicans has proposed a package of spending cuts to help offset the costs of hurricane …More
TSP, Loan Withdrawal Policies Eased for Some
Hurricane Katrina-related legislation (P.L. 109-73) that moved quickly to enactment loosens certain loan and withdrawal rules under the Thrift Savings …More
TSP Authorizes Study of New Funds
The Thrift Savings Plan has issued a contract for investment consulting services, including a review of potential new funds. The …More
Deadline Coming on Placement Fee Reimbursement
September 30 is the deadline for applying for retroactive payment of certain placement fees for dependent care, which can be …More
Expert’s View: Cui Bono–Who Stands to Gain?
Many federal employees designate their beneficiaries when they first enter service and never check again, writes benefits expert Reg Jones. …More
Other Hurricane-Related Policies
Among other forms of reaction to Hurricane Katrina, OPM has authorized an emergency leave transfer program, special short-term hiring authorities, …More
New Argument for Telecommuting: Energy Savings
The Office of Personnel Management has urged agencies to increase their use of telework—as well as use of carpooling and …More
Pay Group to Meet
The Federal Salary Council, a group of agency, union and outside compensation experts that makes recommendations on various federal pay …More
Could Be Long Time Until Next Round
As part of its recommendations, the base closings panel also suggested that the next round of base closings not occur …More
Base Closing List Goes to Congress
President Bush has sent to Congress the base closings commission’s recommendations, which will go into effect unless Congress acts within …More
