Bill Signed into Law to Expand Grants for Early STEM Education
The bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act was signed into law just before the Congress’ holiday recess to encourage the National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve and expand STEM education initiatives in schools around the country. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), focuses on early childhood STEM education and introducing more women to computer science programs.
Preparing for 2020 with Public Employee Groups
Tune in to FEDtalk this week to hear from public employee groups about their plans for 2020. Guests from across the federal community will discuss the biggest issues of 2019 spilling into the new year, policy priorities for their organization, and important events every federal employee should look out for this year.
How many introverted types are in leadership? World Introvert Day 2020
Introverts can make great leaders. For World Introversion Day, here is a glimpse into introverted leadership around the world.
Lawmakers Reach Bipartisan Deal on Spending Bills to Avert Year End Shutdown, Grant Pay Raise
Congressional leaders announced an agreement with the White House last week to fund all federal agencies through September 2020. The funding legislation, split into two minibus bills, passed the House on Tuesday and will need to be passed in the Senate and signed by the president before Friday to avert a government shutdown.
How To Ask for Time Off
Taking time off for the holidays does not have to be tense, as long as you are prepared. Here are tips for asking for time off.
Survey Identifies Importance of Proper Workplace Culture
The Eagle Hill Consulting Federal Workplace Culture Survey, conducted through the Government Business Council (GBC), identified key opportunity areas to improve federal workforce culture and the culture’s impact on mission delivery. The report found significant misalignment between organizations’ policies and core values and sought to explore why and how that misalignment plays out in the federal workforce.
Small Business Administration Completes Successful CDM Pilot
The Small Business Administration (SBA) just completed a continuous diagnostics and mitigation (CDM) pilot program with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure data on all devices are secure.
2019 Wrap-Up Reporter Roundtable
Tune in to FEDtalk this week for our end of the year federal employee
reporter roundtable. Guests from across the reporter community will take a look
back on the big events of 2019, discuss current events, and prepare for 2020.
Overlooking the Ocean in Rhode Island
Huey and Maya visit the Ocean State and find that Rhode Island has an unexpected density of federal sites. They learn about NOAA grants, wildlife refuges, and a historic Coast Guard lighthouse.
4 Tips to Keep You Sane at the Open Space Office
Sharing an open office space can be hard, but as they become the norm, here are tips for respectful survival.
Senate, House Committees Complete Conference on NDAA
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.
FAA Announces End of Hazardous Weather Advisory Program
In a final noticed issued by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the agency announced the end of the Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS). The conclusion of this program aligns with an effort to modernize the administration.
D.C. Circuit: No Requirement to Bargain on CBP Performance Appraisal Changes
The National Treasury Employees Union appealed the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s denial of its negotiability petition related to changes in the number of different possible rating levels for its members at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. On December 3, 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied the union’s appeal, finding instead that the FLRA’s decision was “based on a permissible and reasonable interpretation of the Statute,” and that it was “consistent with well-established precedent.”
GAO Introduces Technology Assessment Handbook for Agencies
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is interested in assisting agencies in determining if technology is right for them. The GAO’s new Science, Technology, Assessment and Analytics Office has created a guide to walk agencies through determining the risks and benefits associated with implementing new technologies. The GAO also provides information on how implementation can be done properly.
Do You Know a Federal Employee Facing a Tragedy?
FEEA: The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund, has been assisting federal families in need for more than 30 years. Through college scholarships, disaster relief, emergency hardship loans, and #FedLifeHacks, FEEA has touched the lives of tens of thousands of federal families, including more than 3,000 lower-income feds who needed help during the longest government shutdown in US history in early 2019.
Open Season Brings New Opportunities to Take Stock of Your Health and Healthcare.
Every Open Season brings new opportunities for the millions of dedicated men and women who work for our country to take stock of their health and well-being. Our role at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP®) is to help all of our current and future members make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
OPM Issues Memo on Impact of State, Local Minimum Wage Hikes for Federal Employees
Given decisions by state and local governments to increase the minimum wage above the federal minimum wage, the Office of Personal Management (OPM) has issued a memo to human resource (HR) departments clarifying how to handle competing wage minimums. The memo reminds HR departments that the federal minimum wage standards supersede state and local hikes.
Small Talk - How to Start a Conversation - Tips and Tricks (animated)
Making small talk with colleagues can be hard, but here are some tips for meaningful interactions.