Pay & Benefits
Retiree COLA Set at 1.3% Next Year, Prompting Calls for Change
Organization calls on Congress to shift the metric upon which annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and federal retirement benefits are based from the general price of goods to one that takes into account spending by the elderly.
Route Fifty
Texas Can Limit Counties to a Single Ballot Drop-off Location, Appeals Court Rules
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled that Texas can mandate only one drop-off location for absentee ballots in each county, reversing a lower court ruling on Gov. Greg Abbott's order earlier this month.
Nextgov
OMB Behind Schedule on Open Data Initiatives, GAO Says
The Office of Management and Budget missed the deadline for issuing governmentwide guidance for complying with the OPEN Government Data Act and is behind on reporting on agencies’ progress.
Management
The Administrative Presidency Meets Federalism: Hostile Takeovers in the Trump Era
With the Justice Department dominated by the White House, state attorneys general have taken on the role of defending federal law and executive branch discretion.
Route Fifty
The Draining of State Rainy Day Funds
COMMENTARY | At least 10 states have already tapped their emergency reserves, even as budget experts expect the worst revenue declines caused by the coronavirus pandemic to come in the months and years ahead.
Oversight
President Trump Can’t Use $3.6 Billion in Military Funds for Border Wall Construction, Federal Court Rules
The 2-1 decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes as $3.6 billion was slated for construction of about a dozen projects, including two projects in the Laredo and El Paso areas.
Oversight
There’s Nothing Unusual about Early Voting – It’s Been Done since the Founding of the Republic
This year is seeing a high number of absentee and mail-in ballots and voting in the period before Election Day -- but early voting periods are not new to the 2020 election.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The Toll of Ineffective COVID-19 Protections at Federal Facilities
Christina Suthammanont joins the podcast to discuss the story of her husband's death after she believes he contracted the coronavirus from his workplace.
Route Fifty
'Grab and Go' Treats and Other Strategies Cities Are Suggesting to Save Halloween
Trick-or-treating is still happening, but with new restrictions or guidance, and most cities have canceled Halloween parades, festivals and haunted houses.
Route Fifty
Some States See Better Than Expected Revenues, But Budget Outlook Is Still Tough
Evaporating federal aid and uncertainty over what will happen next with the virus and the economic recovery are casting a long shadow over states’ finances.
Route Fifty
No More Rush Hour? A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Traffic
The average number of vehicle miles traveled was 16% lower in July than the previous year, and rush hour traffic is now more spread out over time, according to a new report.
Pay & Benefits
Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional
Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.
Management
Lawmaker Urges State to Ease Voting for Feds Overseas
The pandemic may disrupt normal procedures for federal employees voting from abroad, committee chairman warns.
Oversight
USDA Secretary Violated Hatch Act With August Speech, Watchdog Finds
Secretary Sonny Perdue needs to reimburse the taxpayers for costs associated with the speech, Office of Special Counsel says.
Workforce
Confronting Racism is Our American Duty
Any guidance on how employees can better understand and respect others is a sign of progress in a civilized society, not a threat to it, argues the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: CDC has ‘Limited Role’ in White House Contact Tracing; White House Employees at Risk
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
Former GSA IT Contracting Officer Sentenced in Bribery Scheme
A former procurement official overseeing contracts on IT Schedule 70 was sentenced to almost two years in prison on federal bribery charges.
Management
These 12 Exemplary Feds Led Hurricane Response, Coronavirus Vaccine Research and Much More
Honoring the 2020 Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Award winners.
Route Fifty
Why We Need to Pay Attention to Police Officers’ Mental Health
COMMENTARY | A new study found that as police are under more scrutiny than ever, their mental health struggles remain profound.
Tech