Union Points to Problems with Emergency Leave Implementation
Federal employee unions are taking issue with procedures in place at some agencies for obtaining access to Emergency Paid Sick Leave granted to federal employees under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA). Under EPSLA, all federal employees meeting certain coronavirus-related circumstances are eligible for up to 80 hours of emergency paid sick leave starting April 1.
State Department to Begin First Phase of Returning Employees to DC Metro Area Offices
Officials at the Department of State have revealed to Federal new Network that employees will soon begin the first step in a multi-phased approach to reopening offices and resuming full operations. The agency is “closely monitoring” local conditions in the Washington, DC metro area and expects phase one of its reopening plan to begin Monday, June 15.
Democrats Introduce Policing Reform Package with Provisions Impacting Federal Law Enforcement
Congressional Democrats introduced a legislative package this week to address policing issues as law enforcement accountability makes national headlines. The 135-page package entitled the Justice in Policing Act includes a host of changes to federal and state law enforcement practices and increases federal oversight over state and local police departments.
Women In Federal IT & Cyber Conference Panel #1: Designing a Network
The CIO Council presents the first panel of the Women in Federal IT & Cyber Conference. Panelists will be discussing the importance of forming a strategic professional network.
Helping employees return to work during COVID-19
Returning to work can be stressful right now. Here are tips for communicating plans with employees.
Caregiving: The FLTCIP Offers Support When You Need It Most
No matter your stage of life, it’s always a good idea to have a long-range health plan in place. One thing to keep in mind is coverage for any potential long term care needs.
Financial Planning During a Pandemic
On FEDtalk this week, join host Debra Roth to hear important advice for handling your finances in the midst of the current health and economic crises. Guests will be discussing how to manage times of financial uncertainty while still planning for your long term health and economic security needs.
Smithsonian Museum Launches 'Talking About Race' Portal
Amid national conversations regarding race in the United States, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has launched an online portal to provide Americans with additional resources to both reflect on their own history with race and lead conversation about race. The portal provides targeted guidance for educators, parents or caregivers, and people committed to equity, as well as a multitude of resources delving into the history of race and racism.
NSA Cybersecurity Directorate Focuses on Moving Forward from COVID-19
The National Security Agency’s cybersecurity directorate is focusing on ways to protect medical research related to COVID-19 and assist critical infrastructure development that could help speed up the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a webcast hosted by the Intelligence National Security Alliance and reported on by FCW, NSA Deputy Director George Barnes discussed how the directorate is pivoting to meet the nation’s needs to begin moving forward from the pandemic.
Bipartisan Group Sends Letter on Handling National Debt
A letter from Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Jody Arrington (R-TX), signed by an additional 58 members of Congress, expresses a commitment to continuing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn impacting millions of Americans but raises concern regarding the increases in national debt. The lawmakers urge leadership to include provisions for future budget reforms in any upcoming pandemic response legislation.
Webinar: Federal Employee Finances in a Time of Crisis
While there are signs of recovery, many of us are still struggling to manage the monetary impact of this pandemic. But there are actions we can take today to help. This time in history presents an opportunity for all of us to take stock of our positions, assess the impact the coronavirus has had on our goals, and implement a plan to get our finances back on track. We can also reflect on lessons learned and use them to help protect ourselves for when the next disaster strikes.
Federal Frontline Workers’ Leave Flexibility is Vital to Government Operations
Last month we made a point to touch on some of the uplifting stories that have emerged as federal managers work to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This month, we want to take a look at some of the efforts we are working on to protect managers and all federal employees.
Launch Recap: NASA and SpaceX fly Astronauts to the Space Station
This weekend, NASA and Space X teamed up to fly astronauts to the International Space Station. Here is a recap of the launch.
VA Launches Chatbot to Help Veterans, Caregivers Access Coronavirus Answers
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun using a coronavirus chatbot to help veterans and caregivers find answers to questions relating to the coronavirus pandemic. The Microsoft Healthcare Bot platform was built and implemented in in less than a month for the VA and other agencies.
Postal Service to Test Daily Temperature Check Proof of Concept in Select Cities
The Postal Service is testing a daily temperature check “proof of concept” in Northern Virginia and Oklahoma City for employees reporting to work and returning from quarantine. The Postal Service has seen the impact of the pandemic as more than 5,000 postal employees are currently under quarantine and some 12,000 have returned to work following a quarantine.
Senate Committee Advances Cyber Innovation Legislation
The Senate Commerce Committee voted to unanimously advance a bill that would offer cash and non-cash prizes for cybersecurity innovations.
Leading with Resilience in a VUCA World, Session 2
Join SEA, the Federal Managers Association (FMA), and Resilient at Work for a free webinar series on mindfulness and resilience - especially critical skills in our current challenging environment.
Will Feds Face a Coronavirus Commission?
Lawmakers are already circulating proposals to investigate missteps and policy holes that led to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. Whether or not you’re employed by one of the 71 agencies responding directly to this crisis, you need to understand what your exposures are and how you may be impacted.