New COVID-19 Relief Package Would Expand Benefits for Feds
The House Democrats have released the latest iteration of their COVID-19 relief package, including a provision to expand benefits for federal workers. The bill offers up to 600 hours of paid leave for those who have COVID-19 or are caring for someone who does. This time off can also be applied to parents whose children are learning from home and require supervision. This leave can be used through September 30, 2021.
Ensuring Workforce and Whistleblower Protections for the SES
Ensuring workplace rights and avenues for redress is a premier issue for the Senior Executives Association (SEA). SEA remains concerned that members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) lack a forum for adjudicating workplace disputes and adequate whistleblower protections.
Bridging the Partisan Divide
The latest FEDtalk episode sparks a conversation on fueling compromise at a time when Americans are divided. With slim Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, stakeholders see a new opportunity to bridge the partisan divide with common sense policy priorities.
COVID-19 and the future of work
Take a look back at some June 2020 reporting on the way the coronavirus has changed the way Americans work. Over six months later, how much has changed?
PMA Welcomes New National Leadership Team
The Professional Managers Association (PMA) – formed in 1981 by IRS Managers as a national membership association representing the interests of professional managers, management officials and non-bargaining unit employees in the federal government – welcomes individuals to the PMA National Leadership Team to serve as nationally elected board officers for two-year terms.
MSPB Evaluates Use of Direct Hire Authority in Federal Agencies
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) released a report evaluating federal agencies’ use of Direct-Hire Authorities (DHAs) when filling critical roles in government, including medical, information technology, and acquisition occupations.
Suspected Chinese Hackers Possibly Infiltrated Federal Payroll Agency Through SolarWinds Hack
Now, there is concern that Chinese hackers may have been able to gain access to federal data during the time of the SolarWinds hack.
President Biden’s Memo Calls for a Better-Equipped National Security Workforce
On February 4, 2021, President Joe Biden released a national security memo that focused on revitalizing American foreign policy and restoring the national security workforce, institutions, and partnerships. He also recently appeared at the Department of State to send a message on foreign policy to the workforce, saying, “I want the people who work in this building, and our embassies and consulates around the world, to know I value your expertise, and I respect you. And I will have your back.”
TSA Employees Would Receive Expanded Work Protections Under Proposed Act
Leading House Democrats on the Homeland Security, Appropriations, and Transportation Committees re-introduced the Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act of 2021 in Congress. The bill, passed twice by the House in the 116th Congress, would expand workforce protections for employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The COVID Slide's Prevention Procedures
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) notices that a common concern among federal employees as parents and guardians have is anxiety toward kids and school. The school year has been challenging for kids and parents alike, regardless of whether they are navigating fully remote learning, hybrid in-person/remote options, or fully in-person learning. Some kids may find themselves falling behind in various subjects.
7 simple habits for a more productive life
Learn a few simple adjustments you can make to your life to be the most productive! These are easy steps you can incorporate into your everyday routine.
FEDS Protection Joins CRC Group to Expand Coverage Options for Government Employees & Contractors
For 14 years, Federal Employee Defense Services has provided professional liability insurance (PLI) for federal managers and has been a proud advocate for the federal community. Now, FEDS is expanding its ability to offer even more support to federal employees, including managers, through its acquisition by CRC Group, a leading national wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products. This timely partnership will enable FEDS to expand coverage options for public employees and contractors.
Tenth Circuit: Intimidating Witnesses for Testimony Is Not Lawful Assistance Protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act
In October 2017 Larry Baca began to work as a Supervisory Engineer, GS-13, and the Chief of Operations and Maintenance Division in the Directorate of Public Works at the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
DHS Issues Terrorism Advisory Due to Heightened Security Concerns
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to security concerns following the inauguration of President Joe Biden. According to the bulletin, there is reason to believe that Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) could be ideologically motivated to challenge the presidential transition and exercises of governmental authority.
President Biden Orders Review of Scientific Integrity Across Executive Branch
“It is the policy of my Administration to make evidence-based decisions guided by the best available science and data,” asserted President Joe Biden in a new executive memorandum requiring sweeping review and implementation of science-based policies and practices across the executive branch. The January 27, 2021 memo “reaffirms and builds on” prior Obama administration memoranda on scientific integrity.
GAO Issues Recommendations for Federal Agencies to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its sixth report to review the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-partisan watchdog claims there is a major lack of federal action on COVID-19 response, especially in terms of vaccine distribution, for which the U.S. still does not have a comprehensive plan.
New Legislation Calls for Expanded Paid Leave for Feds
House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) recently introduced the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, which would provide 12 weeks of paid leave every year to all federal workers to deal with personal illness, care for a family member with illness, or in connection with a family member going on or returning from active military duty.
New Year, New President, New Administration
Last week on the FEDtalk podcast, host Jason Briefel was joined by Jessica Klement, the Staff Vice President, Policy and Programs at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE); Randy Erwin, the National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE); and Chad Hooper, the Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association (PMA).