Workforce
State selects 4 new Science Envoys
Four U.S. scientists and researchers will work in the State Department’s Science Envoy Program representing the country's scientific interests and advancing international partnerships.
Management
Federal managers play a key but forgotten role in job satisfaction
COMMENTARY | A recent GAO report examining employee engagement at TSA underscores the need for a people-centric approach in attracting and retaining talented workers.
Workforce
Lawmakers, employee groups call for a permanent increase in federal firefighter pay
Under current measures implemented by the Biden administration, federal wildland firefighters will face yet another “pay cliff” this fall.
Management
$3.3B in federal grants announced for communities split apart by highways
The one-time infusion of cash for highway caps, bike trails and other improvements shows the Biden administration’s priorities for one of its most high-profile infrastructure initiatives.
Management
The fight against veteran homelessness demands a concerted effort
COMMENTARY | "Only through a united front can we hope to honor the service of our veterans by ensuring they have the security and dignity of a place to call home," writes Navy veteran Michael Embrich.
Oversight
Investigation finds for-profit nursing homes cut corners on safety and drain resources with financial shenanigans
The report finds that these problems are most pronounced in midsize chains that dodge public scrutiny. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it is “unwavering in its commitment to improve safety and quality of care for the more than 1.2 million residents receiving care in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.”
Management
VA aims to house 41,000 homeless veterans in 2024
The goal is slightly reduced from the total it achieved in 2023, when the department set an all-time record.
Management
Biden proposes 'historic new program' to address child care shortages
In his budget, the president is asking Congress for more money for child care and the restoration of several pandemic-era programs, including the full child care tax expansion.
Workforce
Lawmakers debate the role of an overworked and under-resourced FEMA
Despite some hiring success, FEMA is taking on more tasks while operating at 65% capacity.
Tech
Ex-NSA innovation chief’s new startup looks to future-proof federal agencies against cyberthreats
Kevin Keaton’s Eyris would fuse blockchain technologies into advanced security solutions to defend federal agencies, the Pentagon and others against cyber threats.
Oversight
Modernize FOIA to increase its Sunshine effect
COMMENTARY | A modern-day FOIA needs to adopt changes that are uniform and consistent across all the covered agencies, writes a former FOIA officer.
Pay & Benefits
Employee groups air their disappointment with Biden’s 2% raise proposal
Multiple groups representing federal employees expressed their displeasure this week at the White House’s proposed pay raise, noting that it falls both behind the cost of inflation and military compensation.
Workforce
These agencies would make the biggest workforce gains in Biden's scaled back 2025 budget
Several agencies have particularly ambitious growth plans, while some are surprisingly seeking cuts.
Management
Pentagon budget request aims to balance congressional limits, foreign needs, and innovation
“This should be the wake-up call that tells us we need to be buying different stuff,” one expert said.
Workforce
Employees ratify TSA’s first union contract since rights expansion
The American Federation of Government Employees’ new collective bargaining agreement streamlines grievance and arbitration rules and greatly expands work-life balance policies like shift trading.
Management
Civil Rights commission digs into government use of facial recognition
The tech poses “serious threats to our fundamental rights,” the chair of the commission said during a Friday briefing.
Pay & Benefits
Veterans Affairs expands IVF access to unmarried and same-sex veterans
Up to now, the VA has only provided IVF care for married veterans who were able to use their own eggs or sperm during the process, but the new announcement allows veterans to use donor eggs, sperm and embryos.
Tech
CISA targeted through Ivanti VPN vulnerabilities, reports say
The DHS agency has been issuing warnings about Ivanti products since at least 2020.
Tech
Biden's $1.67 trillion budget boosts tech, AI
The Biden administration’s FY2025 budget request provides agencies with $3 billion “to responsibly develop, test, procure and integrate transformative AI applications across the federal government.”
Management