Politicizing the Civil Service is a Disturbingly Bad Idea: FMA Responds to Executive Order
As most feds are now aware, President Trump recently signed an executive order to create a Schedule F in the Excepted Service, a new class of career “confidential, policy-determining, or policy-advocating” positions. Concerning to FMA, this move strips civil service protections from a huge, as yet-untold number of federal workers.
Executive Order Creates New Class of Federal Employees
President Trump signed an executive order on October 21, 2020 creating a new classification for federal employees. Per the order, employees that are in confidential, policy making positions would be categorized as Schedule F employees and would not be subject to traditional Title 5 workplace protections. These employees would also be barred from organizing against or appealing the administration. The order grants agency leaders broad discretion to hire and fire individuals in this schedule.
OPM Revamping Modernization Efforts
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is launching an attempt to reboot its IT modernization efforts and update its technology. OPM’s Office of the Inspector General released a report that identifies IT modernization as a top priority for the agency. Chief Information Officer Clare Martorana and independent consultants have laid out a plan that would reform OPM’s technology and fix many of its IT issues.
VA Pilots New Tool to Better Understand COVID Mortality Rates
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is piloting a new artificial intelligence tool that can predict a COVID-19 patient’s prognosis and recommend next steps. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have seen an influx of patients, and doctors and nurses often have to make quick, life-saving decisions in order to help their patients.
Lawmakers Respond to Executive Order on Schedule F in Excepted Service
Several lawmakers have spoken out against the president’s Executive Order on Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service, while others have expressed support. Within days of the order’s release, several lawmakers have also introduced legislation that would reverse the order. Here is a roundup of the Congressional response:
FEDtalk: Grand Challenges to Grand Changes with NAPA
On FEDtalk this week, host Natalia Castro had a discussion with the National Academy of Public Administration. Joining the show was NAPA President and CEO Terry Gerton as well as NAPA Fellows Edward DeSeve and Chris Mihm. Mr. DeSeve is also a Senior Fellow at the IBM Center for the Business of Government. Mr. Mihm also serves as Managing Director of the GAO Strategic Issues Team.
Election Security
What happens when you cast your vote? Learn how elections are secured and how your vote is kept safe in this 2018 video from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Relief Open to All Civilian Federal and Postal Employees
If you are unfamiliar with our organization, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) was established in 1986. We serve federal employees and their families as a national 501c3 charity modelled after military relief organizations. Our programs are open to all civilian federal and postal employees each year. All of our programs are described in detail on our website at feea.org.
Sixth Circuit: Appeals of Enforcement Petitions Must Go to Federal Circuit
On October 14, 2020, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals held that appeals of MSPB decisions on petitions for enforcement must be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, even appeals of petitions stemming from a “mixed case” typically appealable to federal district court for adjudication of discrimination claims.
FEHBP Rates Announced as Open Season Approaches
Participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can expect to pay higher premiums in 2021, with an expected average increase of 4.9%. On average, federal employees will pay $7.89 more toward their health premiums per biweekly pay period next year. This hike is lower than that of last year, which was an increase of 5.6%.
OMB Behind Schedule on Open Data Initiatives
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not yet released guidance for federal agencies regarding implementing comprehensive data inventories, which could be delaying public access to government data. OMB also has not published reports on the 24 Chief Financial Officers Act agencies’ performance and compliance with the Open, Public, Electronic and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act.
House Committee Holds Hearing on IRS Pandemic Response
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hybrid hearing on October 7, 2020 called “IRS in the Pandemic” during which they discussed IRS operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial state of the IRS, and the status of information technology (IT) within the organization.
UPDATE: OPM Finalizes Rule on Removal Executive Order
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently instituted final regulations that would make it easier for agencies to discipline and fire federal employees. The final rule, set to go into effect on November 21st, was created based on President Trump’s Executive Order 13839 from 2018. The rule streamlines the process by which agencies can demote employees.
How to Smash Bureaucracies
Learn more about bureaucracies and how we are influenced by them. Use this video to hold yourself and others accountable.
2020 Virtual Academy Fall Meeting
The need for government to operate more efficiently at every level has never been more critical than it is today. The National Academy of Public Administration’s ability to meet this challenge by independently investigating and developing solutions for governance issues derives from the experience and expertise of our over 900 Fellows. The Academy’s Fall Meeting is the only time all Fellows are invited to get together, share best practices, learn from one another, and address critical issues of good governance.
At the Intersection of Science and Governance
As the country responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, we see many examples of the need to coordinate the activities of the scientists and technologists on the front lines of virus response with those of the public administrators charged with protecting and supporting the public. Government leaders are sharing their success stories - not because they are deeply experienced in epidemiology or medicine, but because they have implemented effective strategies for managing resources and making sound, data-informed decisions.
Legislation Introduced to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Program Optional
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and over a dozen Senate Democrats introduced legislation, the Protecting Employees from Surprise Taxes Act, which would make the Trump administration’s tax deferral program optional for federal employees and service members. The legislation states that employees who wish to partake in the program must provide written consent to their employers.
Future of Defense Task Force Exposes Major Vulnerabilities in U.S. National Security
On September 29, 2020, the bipartisan Future of Defense Task Force released their final report, findings, and recommendations following a months-long review of U.S. defense assets and capabilities. The task force’s results show that U.S. national security is at a turning point. The report states that remaining competitive “will require a paradigm shift in our defense posture from heavy, expensive, and antiquated, to lean, adaptive, and integrated.”