Federal Health Insurance Plans Are ‘Essential’ During Government Shutdowns
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a final rule on April 2, 2021 that states federal employees will not lose their health benefits during government shutdowns. The OPM rule implements provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2020 to make certain federal health and life insurance services “essential.”
Government Accountability Project and 264 Other Groups Call for Extension of Whistleblower Protections
The Government Accountability Project (GAP), along with 264 other organizations, sent a letter to President Biden and Congressional leaders calling for increased whistleblower protections.
Bills Introduced to Reform Windfall Elimination Provision, Expand Social Security Benefits for Federal Employees
Several lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would expand Social Security benefits for federal retirees and replace the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The Windfall Elimination Provision reduces the Social Security benefits of retired federal, state, and local government employees who worked in private sector jobs in addition to a government job.
Recognizing Public Servants For Their Dedication During 2020
The Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Unsung Heroes of Federal Service Awards, hosted by The Alex Tremble Show to celebrate Public Service Appreciation Week. These awards recognize deserving Federal Government employees for their creativity and dedication for serving the larger public and those in their local community.
Data Driving the Future
On the latest episode of the FEDtalk podcast, the panel discussed the ways in which data is driving the future of work within and without the federal workforce.
#1 Exercise To Increase Your Focus Naturally
Focus is crucial to achieving your goals and increasing your productivity. Learn about how to harness the power of the brain and increase your focus in this video.
The Coverage Gap: Women are Carrying Less Life Insurance Than Their Male Counterparts
According to 2019 consumer study conducted by LIMRA, only 56% of women have life insurance, compared to 62% of men. Moreover, women are likely to carry less coverage than their male counterparts.
Celebrating FMA Manager of the Year Kimberly Price
The Federal Managers Association has recognized Kimberly Price, President of FMA Chapter 191, Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), as FMA’s Manager of the Year – an award that she richly deserves.
OPM Issues Memo Requesting that Feds Assist at Southern Border
On March 25, 2021, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued an urgent memorandum for current GS-9 to GS-15 federal employees to volunteer for 120-day details to the southern border. The number of unaccompanied children at the southern border of the United States has increased significantly since the beginning of 2021, causing the Biden administration to request additional support to care for and place the unaccompanied children.
Federal Circuit: For the Third Time, No Retroactive VA “Accountability”
In 2017, Congress enacted the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (“the Act”), which provided “a singular expedited procedure for all VA employees to respond and appeal to proposed removals, demotions, and suspensions for performance or misconduct,” and according to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, “provides less rigorous standards and expedited procedures” to discipline, and even terminate, employees.
Office of Management and Budget Reinstitutes Requirements for Strategic Planning Goals
The Biden administration announced its plans to rescind a December 2020 memo issued by the Trump administration that changed strategic planning requirements. Robert Fairweather, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced in a March 24, 2021 memo that OMB is reversing the Trump-era memo that suspended requirements for agencies to set strategic planning goals as part of the annual budget process.
Republican Lawmakers Call for Greater Investments in Government Innovations
The Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act, or SALSTA, was introduced March 23, 2021 by House Science, Space and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) and several other Republican lawmakers.
5 Top Management Skills: How to Be a Great Manager
Learn five skills that will make you a strong and effective leader. Incorporating these skills into your management style can increase your employees’ performance and make your workplace more efficient.
IRS Modernization and Capacity Building: Seeking Sustainable Funding
In order to continue meeting Congressionally mandated missions, the Professional Managers Association (PMA) advocates for robust and consistent funding to modernize the capabilities of the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS/Service).
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Fifth Amendment Suit Challenging Union Organization
On March 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral argument in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid.
NAPA Releases Independent OPM Assessment
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) released a study report addressing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) responsibilities toward the federal workforce and effectiveness in executing those responsibilities. As the previous administration attempted to merge OPM with other executive personnel offices, Congress directed OPM to contract with NAPA to conduct a comprehensive and independent study of the office’s functions.
FEMA Expands Response to Unaccompanied Children Entering U.S.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to launch an effort to care for unaccompanied children who are entering the United States from the southern border.
Sunshine Week Hearings and Legislation Promote Government Transparency
Several bills were introduced last week to commemorate Sunshine Week, a national initiative spearheaded by the News Leaders Association to educate the public about the importance of open government.