VA Target Of Congressional Accusations Surrounding Private Influence On The Agency
Following a Congressional request for more information, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reportedly declined to provide documents “related to accusations that outside businessmen are unduly influencing department policy,” according to Leo Shane III of Military Times. The VA has cited ongoing legal disputes in declining to provide the documents.
Considering Life Insurance? Take a Detailed Needs Analysis
When purchasing life insurance, it's important to understand the financial needs of your beneficiaries before you choose a policy. Many individuals tend to think backwards when it comes to life insurance. They make critical decisions on the product they want, whether it’s permanent life insurance, basic term life insurance or even a combination of both, before thinking through the amount of protection they need. As such, you really need to first figure out how much life insurance you need before you even think about the product that would be most appropriate. A needs analysis can help you determine how much life insurance you should buy.
Federal Pay Raise For 2019 Looks Increasingly Likely
Last Thursday, after weeks of back-and-forth regarding whether federal employees could expect to see a proposed 1.9% pay increase in 2019, House Republicans reportedly “struck a tentative deal on a federal pay raise for civilian federal employees,” according to Federal News Network and The Washington Post.
The 40-Year History Of The Civil Service Reform Act
On October 13th, 2018, the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) turns 40 years old. The CSRA fundamentally changed the federal government and its workforce, spawning the majority of regulations, policies, and structures that continue to govern the day-to-day business of work within the federal government.
Final Decision On Federal Pay For 2019 Delayed
Despite positive signs that pointed to an earlier and favorable conclusion, with nearly 200 lawmakers expressing support of a 1.9% federal pay raise in 2019 and Congress’ budget conferees also generally supportive of the proposal, federal employees will need to wait a bit longer before receiving final word on their pay for next year.
When was the last time FEGLI gave you money back?
Since 1996, WAEPA has refunded over $100 Million dollars to our members. Why do we do it? It’s simple: we’re a voluntary benefits association, here to serve our members. In honor of our 75th Anniversary, we’re revisiting the history and benefits of our Premium Refund Program:
Bills Seek To Empower OMB In Reorganization Efforts
Last week, according to Nicole Ogrysko at Federal News Radio, Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) introduced the Reforming Government Act of 2018, a bill that would give “OMB the authority it needs to merge, transfer, consolidate an independent regulatory agency and its functions – or abolish an agency altogether.”
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.
Senators Request Information On ‘Use It Or Lose It’ Spending
U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WS) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) – the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) – were joined by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Gary Peters (D-MI) – the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight & Emergency Management – in sending “letters to the chief financial officers of 13 federal agencies Tuesday raising concerns about potentially wasteful spending in the final weeks before the end of the fiscal year.”
Federal Circuit Denies Petition For Rehearing In Drug Test Case
An employee who was removed from federal employment as a result of a positive drug test appealed his removal.
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!).
Federal Employees May Still See Pay Raise From Congress
Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would zero-out previously planned pay increases and locality pay adjustments for federal employees in 2019 -- a proposal that drew widespread and bipartisan criticism from the Hill and a diverse array of governance and employee groups – signs from Congress indicate the matter might not yet be settled.
Senate Committee Members Send Letter To FEMA Regarding Alleged Misconduct
Late last week, four members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC), including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), the committee’s chairman, and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), the committee’s ranking member, sent letters to the FEMA Administrator and Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) regarding FEMA’s July “investigative report concerning allegations of misconduct and mismanagement by former Chief Component Human Capital Officer Corey Coleman.”
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Federal Sector Programs
Tune in this Friday to hear host Tony Vergnetti of Federal Employee Defense Services talk with Dexter Brooks and Timothy Bladek from the EEOC Office of Federal Operations.
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:
Senate Passes $854 Billion Funding Bill For Health, Education, And Defense
Late last week, the U.S. Senate voted in favor of an $854 billion spending bill that funds huge swaths of the federal government, including $675 billion in defense funding and additional funds for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and other agencies.
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.