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
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersAdministration 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
Announcement on Vision/Dental Benefits Coming
Meanwhile, OPM is expected to soon announce the general terms of the vision and dental benefits package for federal employees …More
Vision/Dental Benefits Delayed
Meanwhile, OPM delayed an announcement that had been expected this week on the general terms of the upcoming vision and …More
FEHB Rate Increases Announced
The increase in Federal Employees Health Benefits program premiums will moderate in 2006 compared with some recent past years, due …More
Federal Employee Can’t Appeal Damages Awarded By EEOC Without First Establishing Liability in District Court
In Morris v. Rumsfield, 3rd Cir., No. 04-1808, 2005 WL 2000955 (August 22, 2005), the U.S. Court of Appeals for …More
GSA Announces Hurricane-Related Policies
Meanwhile, GSA has sent out guidance to agencies to agencies urging them to consider delaying all “non-essential” temporary duty travel …More
Mileage Reimbursement Rate Rises
The General Services Administration has raised the mileage allowance for federal employees using personal vehicles on official business from 40.5 …More
Expert’s View: Benefits for a Non-Spouse
Some single or widowed federal employees might have relatives or care givers who they would like to provide for, writes …More
Specifics of DHS Suit
For a look at the issues involved in the DHS case and the judge’s findings, go to fedweek.com/HotFreeNews in the …More
DoD Sees No Linkage with DHS
DoD says its schedule is unaffected by the situation at DHS; following the judge’s order, the Pentagon issued a statement …More
