Workforce
Viewpoint: What Trump Could Do Right Now to Keep Workers Safe From the Coronavirus
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has the power to institute emergency standards—but that would require the president to overcome his aversion to regulation.
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A Washington County Buys a Motel for Coronavirus Isolation
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Tornadoes in Tennessee … Jacksonville cracks down on sex trafficking … New Mexico establishes ‘Senior Dignity’ fund.
Management
As White House Involves More Agencies With Coronavirus Response, Discrepancies Develop
The Trump administration struggles to deliver consistent messages about who is doing what.
Management
Unions Report No Sign of Telework Flexibilities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although both OPM and the CDC have strongly encouraged allowing employees to work remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, several agencies have yet to respond to those recommendations.
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Women Lawmakers Are Making Gains—But Only in Some State Capitols
The rise of women in state legislatures hasn’t been equally distributed across geographic and ideological divides.
Oversight
IG Flags Food Safety Concerns at Federal Prisons
The Bureau of Prisons does not have a protocol to “ensure its food supply is safe and meets contractual requirements.”
Nextgov
GSA to Partner with GAO in Latest Centers of Excellence Partnership
The General Services Administration intends to help the Government Accountability Office stand up an innovation lab.
Management
Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Better Protect Feds From Synthetic Opioids
Measure would ensure federal personnel have protective equipment and overdose medications on hand.
Management
The Coronavirus Is No 1918 Pandemic
The differences between the global response to the Great Flu Pandemic and today’s COVID-19 outbreak could not be more striking.
Nextgov
CISA Officials See ‘No Malicious Activity’ During Super Tuesday
Subsequent information could change the analysis but the agency does not currently attribute technical hiccups in some states to interference.
Management
Civil Service Reform, Again
The Republican Study Committee’s recent task force report is correct in its point that federal benefits costs cannot be justified.
Oversight
Experts Call for Reform of Vacancies Act Following Trump’s Intelligence Director Nomination
Acting DNIs can “risk our national security with extended unqualified leadership,” said one expert.
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After Deadly Crash, Lawsuit Spotlights Problem of Parking Near Intersections
When cars are parked close to intersections, they can block drivers from seeing other traffic and pedestrians. A lawsuit seeks a court order to force Portland, Oregon to address the issue.
Workforce
The President Is Winning His War on American Institutions
How Trump is destroying the civil service and bending the government to his will.
Management
For Federal Healthcare Agencies, a Case for Better AI Outcomes
As officials increasingly turn to algorithms for assistance, they should be wary of tools that make harnessing artificial intelligence look easy.
Management
GovExec Daily: Where Governments Are Succeeding – and Failing – in the Coronavirus Fight
Kate Queram and Eric Katz rejoin the program to assess the new wave of pandemic response from federal, state and local authorities.
Pay & Benefits
Union Urges OPM Director to Withdraw Proposal to Limit Paid Parental Leave
As part of its fiscal 2020 budget justification, the personnel agency proposed legislation limiting the availability of paid parental leave for foster placements and in instances where both parents are federal workers.
Nextgov
OMB to Agencies: Time to Finish IPv6 Transition
Before the end of fiscal 2021, agencies will need to have a plan in place to hit 80% IPv6-only systems by 2025.
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This State Might Require Gender-Neutral Toy and Clothing Aisles in Stores
A proposal in California would require certain department stores to eliminate boy- and girl-specific departments for toys, clothing and childcare items in an attempt to "let kids be kids."
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