Benefits
Bill seeks to improve veterans benefits
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs last month laid out details on comprehensive legislation he has introduced that would reform and improve the nation's veterans benefits programs.
Employee Policy
Citizens less satisfied with federal government
A new report from a research organization that tracks national customer satisfaction details a decline in 2013 in citizen satisfaction with the services provided by the federal government.
Employee Policy
Bill would rename GPO
Two Senate lawmakers are looking to rename a venerable federal agency.
Pay
Postal managers get pay hike
The U.S. Postal Service notified organizations that represent postal management that non-bargaining employees would receive a raise effective Jan. 25.
Retirement
Informed Investor: FERS annuitants receiving supplement need to be aware of 'earnings test'
FERS employees who retire during 2014 need to be aware of the “earnings test” that applies to the FERS annuity supplement. FERS annuitants younger than age 62 automatically receive the annuity supplement. This week’s column discusses how the earnings test is applied, resulting in a partial or full loss of the annuity supplement.
Employee Policy
National Weather Service lifts hiring freeze
The National Weather Service has lifted a hiring freeze and training ban which critics claimed had left the service dangerously understaffed.
Employee Policy
President tells agencies to give equal consideration to unemployed job applicants
President Obama last week directed agencies to "lead by example" by giving equal treatment and consideration to federal job applicants who are unemployed or in financial difficulty through no fault of their own.
Pay
President announces increase in contractor minimum wage
President Obama said last week that he will use his executive authority to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 for those working under new federal contracts for services.
Retirement
Federal Benefits Q&A
Question: "I have both CSRS Offset years and FERS years. Will my retirement annuity be figured using both or just FERS?"
Employee Policy
Tight budgets pressure postal facilities
Leaner budgets are putting pressure on upkeep at postal facilities, according to a recent post on the blog of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Management
Scientists Are Onto Your Passive Aggressive Emoticon Use at Work
In fact, according to a new study, emoticons in workplace email aren’t really meant to convey your emotions at all.
Nextgov
Confused by Obamacare? Ask the President
A virtual hangout sent one woman’s Obamacare questions straight to the White House; others are still confused.
Management
Obama Tells Agencies to Give Unemployed Workers a Fair Shot at Federal Jobs
Managers told not to discriminate against out-of-work applicants.
Pay & Benefits
Social Security Administration Offers Early Retirement to Employees Again
Early-out packages mark the latest in a multi-year effort to reduce SSA workforce.
Management
You're In Charge, But Who Said Never Let ’em See You Sweat?
Occasional self-doubt can be a sign of a successful and reflective leader.
Nextgov
Hackers Hit Israeli Defense Ministry, Reprogram Angry Birds, Etc.
Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.
Nextgov
Never Say Never: Bieber Deportation Lands on Obama's Desk
We The People petition gets enough signatures to require a White House response.
Management
Park Service: No Plans to Change Shutdown Protocol
The agency was criticized by some lawmakers for closing parts of the National Mall to visitors during 2013 government shutdown.
Defense One
Pentagon Comptroller Bob Hale to Step Down
After helping the military navigate through some of the toughest budget battles in history, Pentagon Comptroller Bob Hale is stepping down. By Stephanie Gaskell
Pay & Benefits