Federal Managers’ Opposition to Pay Freeze Leads to Likely Raise for Feds
We all saw it coming; it took no one by surprise. In fact, it was a mere formality when it did happen, but at the end of August, when the administration formally called for a pay freeze for all civilian federal employees for Fiscal Year 2019, it was disappointing nonetheless. The formal rationale for the pay freeze was due to “national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare,” from an administration that continues to boast unprecedented economic gains. And it came despite the federal workforce already contributing more than $182 billion towards deficit reduction since 2011 through a three-year pay freeze, reduced pay increases, unpaid furlough days, and two increases in retirement contributions for new hires, without any additional benefits.
Whistleblower Retaliation
Whistleblower reprisal cases have increased six-fold in the last few years. Although some whistleblower reprisal cases are unsubstantiated, it can be easy to make targets of federal officials. More and more managers, supervisors and law enforcement officials are accused of and investigated for some allegation at some point in their careers.
Paying Off Your Mortgage in 5-7 Years
WAEPA’s Annual Member Meeting this October will include a Plenary Address by Jordan Goodman, America’s Money Answers Man, on a variety of cutting-edge topics surrounding Financial Wellness. WAEPA sat down with Jordan to discuss one of the most noteworthy portions planned for speech, centered around paying off your mortgage in 5-7 years (on your existing level of income!).
Money-Saving Discounts for Federal Employees
While government jobs are known for their stability, they are not necessarily renowned for their pay scales. Fortunately, one of the perks of being a federal employee is that many companies are willing to thank public servants by offering them discounts on almost anything, from computers and cell phones to hotels and flights. Such discounts and deals are provided exclusively to federal employees and their families. To capitalize on these savings, be on the lookout for the following essential federal employee discounts:
FMA Celebrates Another Extension of Disabled Veteran Leave
Score another legislative victory for the Federal Managers Association (FMA)! In last month’s ‘Hear it from FMA’ we touted the successful repeal of Department of Defense policy that reduced long-term TDY per diems. And this past Wednesday, August 22, Congress finalized passage of Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Transition Improvement Act of 2017 (S. 899), which will provide disabled veteran leave to qualified new hires of Title 38. This bipartisan bill, authored by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) is headed to President Trump’s desk for his signature into law.
20/20 Hindsight
The California wildfires are wreaking havoc among Californians’ houses, businesses, and schools. California’s largest wildfire in state history is all consuming with tough decisions being made each minute to contain the fire and deter further destruction.
FMA Celebrates Major Win for DOD Civilian and Uniformed Military Travelers
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is an organization dedicated to representing the interests of managers in the federal government on Capitol Hill, and one of the primary reasons people join is for our legislative advocacy. Thanks in large part to that advocacy, the Department of Defense (DOD) will soon be prohibited from reducing the long-term temporary duty (TDY) per diems for all DOD civilian and uniformed military travelers based on duration of the assignment.
10 Financial Goals to Reach By Age 40
Once we hit our 40s, we should have a firm handle on our careers, our family relationships, and have built a strong foundation for long-term financial success. To help you get a gauge on where you are, we’ve put together our 10 Financial Goals to Reach By Age 40.
Take Advantage of the Summer Slump
Summer days can lead to a distracted work force, but productivity doesn’t have to suffer.
FMA’s Take on the Agency Reorganization Proposals
It has been two weeks since the administration formally unveiled its long-awaited agency reorganization plan, called “Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century.” We at FMA have heard from many of our members and continue to analyze the merits for reform.
FREE Federal Benefits Guide
Over 9 million current and former Federal Employees and their families rely on some form of benefits from the Federal Government. With the quantity of rules and regulations surrounding these benefits, it’s imperative to have a firm understanding of how these policies can directly affect you.
How the Accountability Executive Order Affects You
The White House issued several executive orders on May 25, 2018 affecting the management of the federal workforce.
An Unlikely Alliance is Beginning to Form Behind the Federal Workforce
This article went to print hours before the administration signed three executive orders into law significantly curbing rights for federal workers.
WAEPA Now Offers a 'Living Benefit' to Help Pay for High Costs of Chronic Illness
If you know anyone who's suffered from a long-term illness, you know how difficult it can be. Lost income, paying for living expenses, and additional costs of care can quickly overwhelm you.
Federal Managers Exposed
Are you familiar with every civil service law, rule or regulation?
Retirement Planning Tips
With Americans living longer lives, it has become increasingly critical to plan for the retirement years. And the earlier you start making plans, the more likely it is that you will be well prepared for your retirement.
Allow Feds to Buy Credit Toward Their Retirement
Those who truly know federal service understand that working for the government is not just another job. You apply yourself to hard work, day after day.
The Many Faces of Management
Managers often think of liabilities in terms of being the selecting official for an applicant or being brought in for a congressional hearing, but seem to overlook the many other exposures they are prone to in their position each day with their employees.