After GAO Report, FMA Urges Congress to Provide Necessary Resources for IRS
As an organization that represents managers, supervisors, and executives in the federal government, including at the Internal Revenue Service, it was difficult, but necessary, to take a close look at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the IRS released last week. GAO was asked to “review IRS’s enterprise-wide strategic workforce planning efforts,” and its finding of serious risks to IRS’s mission should not come as a surprise.
FEMA Exposes 2.3 Million Disaster Survivors to Potential Fraud
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report has concluded that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) failed to take necessary steps to protect personal data and released that data to unauthorized contractors. FEMA has been taking steps to address the issue.
Federal Law Enforcement Organization Sues OPM Over Retirement Changes
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) has filed suit against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for their 2016 reinterpretation of federal retirement calculations. FLEOA alleges that the changes caused members of the association to lose significant retirement benefits and, in some cases, be required to back pay the OPM thousands of dollars.
Tax Season Special On FEDtalk
Last week on FEDtalk, experts from the tax community joined hosts Tony Vergnetti and Natalia Castro to discuss how this year’s tax season is moving along. Along for the ride were Tom Burger, Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association, and Edward Karl, Vice President of Taxation at the American Institute of CPAs. The show discussed ways both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American people can have the smoothest filing season possible.
Congressman Introduces Plan To Decentralize The Federal Government
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
Brief Delay In Reporting Sexual Harassment Doesn’t Negate Complaint, Federal Circuit Affirms
A one-day delay in reporting an unwelcomed kiss in the workplace did not render the complaint un-credible, an administrative judge held and the Federal Circuit recently affirmed.
Five Employees in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
Did you know that if you are directly accused of wrongdoing, particularly in an OIG or internal management investigation into allegations of wrongdoing, that you will not be assigned an agency attorney?
Tax Season Special
It's that time of year again--tax season. Tune in to FEDtalk this Friday at 11 am ET for a discussion on the most important things for federal employees and members of the public to know when filing their taxes.
White House Releases Expanded Budget Including Major Cuts
The Trump administration has published part two of the “Budget for a Better America,” which expands upon previously introduced spending cuts. Last week, the president’s $4.75 trillion budget introduced cuts to federal employee retirement plans and the reorganization of the Office of Personnel Management.
Report Finds VA Struggles with Program Implementation Due to Tech Challenges
The Department of Veterans Affairs Mission Act was passed into law to provide veterans with greater access to private sector care, but without the software to determine eligibility, this program may be in trouble. An independent report by U.S. Digital Service (USDS) indicates technology problems could severely hinder the efficacy of the program.
Bill Introduced To Provide Financial Relief For Relocating Feds
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
Federal Circuit: Deciding Official on a Proposed Adverse Action Stemming from a Security Clearance Determination Is Not Required to Have an Alternative, Available Penalty
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently held that a deciding official has no obligation under 5 U.S.C. § 7513 to have available an alternative penalty when deciding on a proposed adverse action that is based on a security clearance determination.
President’s Proposed Budget Calls for Agency Cuts, Reorganization
President Trump has put forward his proposed budget for FY2020. While presidential budget proposals rarely mirror the actual appropriations legislation passed through Congress, they do predict where spending battles will be and the president’s policy agenda for the next year. For FY2020, the president proposed deep cuts to federal employee benefits and a reorganization of the Office of Personnel Management.
Federal Government Vulnerabilities Highlighted in GAO 2019 High Risk List
The biennial High Risk List released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified 35 areas of vulnerability within the federal government.
7 Essential Mobile Apps for Federal Employees in 2019
Most Civilian Federal Employees own smart phones loaded with apps designed to add value to their daily lives. For those looking for guidance on government information and services, there are a variety of mobile apps sponsored by the Federal government which provide relevant and accurate information.
House To Vote On Access To Congressionally Mandated Reports Act
The NDAA summary report released by the committees includes several provisions impacting the civilian federal workforce. Most notably, the conference agreement provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.
FLRA Reconsidering Its Use of the Allen Factors to Award Attorney’s Fees
On March 1, 2019, the Federal Labor Relations Authority issued a press release stating that it was inviting amici curiae briefs on an issue in U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas, and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 1633, Case No. 0-AR-5354. The issue involves whether the Federal Labor Relations Authority should reconsider relying on the factors in Allen v. U.S. Postal Service, 2 M.S.P.R. 420 (1980), when considering awards of attorney’s fees.
Financial Planning for Feds
In the wake of the partial government shutdown, financial planning has been on the minds of federal employees everywhere. Tune in to FEDtalk this Friday at 11 am EST for a discussion on financial planning pre- and post-retirement.