Following long delays at airports across the country, the House and Senate passed legislation allowing spending flexibility within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to avoid furloughing personnel. The Reducing Flight Delays Act (P.L. 113-9) passed in the House by a vote of 361-41, and unanimously within the Senate. Due to sequestration cuts, FAA furloughed employees in order to reduce spending by $637 million. Ten percent of air traffic controllers employed by FAA were scheduled for unpaid leave, which, according to FAA, would have resulted in delaying 6,700 flights a day. Both chambers of Congress hastily passed legislation on April 26. 

The Public Employees Roundtable (PER) is taking the lead in celebrating Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), May 5-11. PSRW is the nationwide public education campaign honoring the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees or as members of the Armed Forces.

Federal Times

Starting at the end of May, employees in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will face furlough days through September. Every IRS employee is subject to furloughs and notices went out on Monday, April 22. Employees can expect to take leave without pay on May 24, June 14, July 5, and August 30, and possibly two more days in August and September, with no more than one furlough day per pay period. In this way, IRS leaders hope this will ensure employees’ personal finances will be least disrupted. 

The Washington Post

Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe informed employees to expect 79 hours of unpaid leave by the end of September 2013 in order to meet demands of budget cuts. The first thirty-two hours of furloughs will be seen before June 15. After that, EPA will revisit the budget to assess if furlough hours can be reduced. 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) implements President Barack Obama’s executive order, E.O. 13562, which calls for the recruitment of students and graduates into the federal government. The Pathways Program offers an internship program, a recent graduate program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program to draw people to federal government. Federal Managers Association (FMA) member Dr. Paula Sind-Prunier employs an intern through the Pathways Program for the National Transportation Safety Board, and on April 25, she participated in an OPM webinar on the benefits of the Pathways Program.

FOSE is the nation’s premier event for government technology professionals who need tools, resources, and best practices to transition to the cloud, mitigate cyber security threats, and achieve the goals of the DGS while managing uncertainty and the critical need to make it all happen on-time and on-budget. Take full advantage of this opportunity May 14-16 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This event is free to government employees!

From June 10-12 in Arlington, Virginia, attendees to the Government Performance Summit, this year themed, "Science of Data: Unlocking Information for Improved Insight" will gain actionable insights into leading visionary, agile and innovative programs; help understand, identify and achieve program, personnel and personal success for your agency and team, and; find more efficient and sophisticated ways to use data by unlocking its meaning for program improvement. This event is free to government employees!

Federal News Radio

Due to budget cuts, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced the possibility of delays for processing of retirement benefits. The sequester caused OPM to cut back on call-center hours starting on April 28. Additionally, OPM’s retirement services employees are no longer allowed to work overtime. In a statement on OPM’s website, Ken Zawodny, Associate Director of Retirement Services, commented, “While it is our hope that process improvements developed over the past year will ameliorate some of the adverse effects of these necessary actions, retirees should expect an increase in the time required to process their claims or respond to inquiries. OPM remains committed to assuring that retirees receive the benefits that they have earned, and we will provide an update on the impact of these actions on retirement processing on a monthly basis with our retirement claims processing report.”

The Federal Times

Erskine Bowles and retired Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) continue to call for cuts to the federal workforce as a means of reducing federal spending. In a report released in April, they continued to call for changes to federal health and retirement benefits in order to save tens of billions of dollars by 2023. Simpson and Bowles specifically call for calculating pension benefits based off of the five highest earning years instead of the current high-three; reducing cost-of-living expenses for federal employees who retire before the age of 62; using a chained-CPI in order to calculate cost-of-living-adjustments; and, providing federal employees with a fixed amount to buy health coverage. According to the report, these changes will save $60 billion over the next decade and cut $40 billion in spending. 

Federal News Radio

Leaders of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee wrote to Gene Dodaro, U.S. Comptroller General, in April calling for an examination of the General Schedule (GS) pay scale for federal workers. Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD), along with Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census Blake Farenthold (R-TX) noted how the current federal workforce has changed since the GS system was instituted over sixty years ago and does not reflect the modern times of federal agencies and the work they accomplish. These House leaders called for an examination of the characteristics of federal workers, as well as how the GS system compares to other methods of classification. 

On April 11, Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus wrote to Members of the House of Representatives on the ramifications of the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act (H.R. 249), as introduced by Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah). The legislation calls for the termination of federal employees who owe an outstanding debt and have a lien filed against them. Additionally, H.R. 249 prohibits federal employment of those with a history of tax delinquency. According to a 2011 report from the Internal Revenue Service, federal employees face a delinquency rate of 3.62 percent, while the general public faces a rate of 8.2 percent.

The Public Employees Roundtable (PER) is taking the lead in celebrating Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), May 5-11. PSRW is the nationwide public education campaign honoring the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees or as members of the Armed Forces.

The House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and the Census held a hearing entitled, “The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program: Is It a Good Value for Federal Employees?” on April 11. Chairman Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.) presided over the hearing, where Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director of Planning and Policy Analysis Jonathan Foley, BlueCross BlueShield Association Vice President of Government Programs William Breskin, UnitedHealth Group Chief Growth Officer Thomas Choate, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Merritt, and American Federation of Government Employees Public Policy Director Jacqueline Simon testified on the impact of the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). 

President Barack Obama presented his fiscal year 2014 budget plan on Wednesday, April 10, describing federal spending goals, and included a one percent pay raise for federal employees. Unfortunately, this proposal includes provisions to increase the retirement contributions of federal employees enrolled in both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) by 1.2 percent. Additionally, the President called for the use of the chained Consumer Price Index (CPI) to measure inflation. Chained CPI usually offers lower percentages for determining cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), providing less for retirees.

In mid-June, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees will face across the board furloughs as a result of the sequester. DOD will cut about eight percent of its spending in hopes to reign in the federal budget. However, there are military installations that operate under a working capital fund (WCF). WCF installations are funded by contracted workload, and do not rely on the appropriations process. Because of this the Federal Managers Association (FMA) wrote to Secretary of Defense Charles Hagel, urging him to exempt these installations as they do not affecting federal spending, and would not impact the sequester.  

President Barack Obama’s FY14 budget proposal included the utilization of a chained consumer price index (CPI) as a measure for calculating cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA) for Social Security and retirement benefits. Currently, COLAs are calculated using a traditional CPI that measures overall inflation measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on April 18 to examine the different methods available to adjust COLAs in order to sustain the Social Security program and to ensure beneficiaries receive correct compensation. Chairman Sam Johnson (R-Tex.) and Ranking Member Xavier Becerra (D-Cali.) heard from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Associate Director of Economic Analysis Jeffrey Kling, BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen, the Moment of Truth Project Executive Director Ed Lorenzen, Social Security Works Co-Director and the Strengthen Social Security Coalition Co-Chair Nancy Altman, and Public Trustee for Social Security Charles Blahous on the different methods for calculating COLAs and the future of Social Security. 

At the end of his four year term as Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), John Berry announced he will step down. During his term, Director Berry faced multiple obstacles, including retirement backlogs, restructure of USAJobs, and a three year employee pay freeze. Despite this, he was able to lead initiatives on hiring reforms for students and interns; and, extend federal health benefits to first responders, such as certain firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The Federal Managers Association (FMA) worked closely with Director Berry on the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations. The Council actively promotes labor-management forums to encourage open discussions about best practices within the federal government, leading to efficient and effective completion of departmental missions and goals. 

Earn your degree in mobil-ology at the 13th semi-annual Spring Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The all-day conference will study the rise in telework, mobile work, and how to ensure your workforce is secure on-the-go. Hear from more than 50 speakers as government and industry leaders discuss best practices in telework and mobility. Registration is complimentary for government employees.

The Department of Defense (DOD) plans on instituting fourteen days of furloughs for civilian employees beginning in mid-June. This cut would result in a twenty percent reduction of take home pay for employees. Knowing what a devastating effect this would have on Navy personnel, Secretary of the Navy Raymond Mabus spoke out against the sequester and furloughs. During a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, he testified, “The department will continue to maintain the capabilities required to ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps is the finest expeditionary force in the world; however, proper resourcing is needed to maintain our capacity for global operations." 

Over the past several years, Congress has examined where the federal government can reduce spending in order to right the country’s fiscal ship. In its 2013 annual report on duplicative federal programs, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found thirty-one areas where agencies can improve efficiency and effectiveness, and eighty-one actions for the Administration or Congress could take to address these problems. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing on April 9, titled, “Reducing Waste in Government: Addressing GAO’s 2013 Report on Duplicative Federal Programs,” and heard testimony from Comptroller of the United States Gene Dodaro on GAO’s report. 

As one of his final acts as Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), on April 12, John Berry unveiled the Wall of Honor, a memorial for federal employees who gave their life while in the line of duty. This Wall of Honor features fifty-two stars, one for each state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories, and is housed in the OPM headquarters in Washington, D.C. It marks the first time civilian employees from the executive branch will be honored for their service and the sacrifice they gave. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Representative Frank Wolf (R-Va.) spoke at the ceremony, and Federal Managers Association (FMA) Executive Director Todd Wells, and FMA Director of Government Affairs Greg Stanford attended the unveiling ceremony. 

After a year of delays and a report from the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), on April 12, the Congress and President Barack Obama partially repealed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act (P.L. 112-105). The STOCK Act required executive and legislative branches to post financial disclosures on senior level federal employees. The law originally intended to deter senior federal employees from using institutional knowledge for financial gains. NAPA however reported posting the financial status of senior federal officials could pose as a security threat. The legislation the President signed into law, P.L. 113-07, still requires Members of Congress, the President, the Vice-President, and Senate confirmed executive branch officials to comply with financial disclosure requirements.

During a March 28 press briefing, Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that not only will furloughs be delayed until June, but also that civilian defense employees will only be furloughed for fourteen days instead of the initial twenty-two. The continuing resolution signed by President Barack Obama on March 26 provided DOD with an increase of $10.4 billion to operations and maintenance provided this flexibility in furloughs. Despite the decrease in furloughed days, however, Secretary Hagel stated DOD will still fall $22 billion short.

On April 11, the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and the Census will hold a hearing on the state of the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP), entitled, “The Federal Employees Health Benefit Program: Is It a Good Value for Federal Employees?” The Government Managers Coalition (GMC), of which the Federal Managers Association (FMA) is a member, wrote a letter supporting the establishment of a “Self Plus One” option for FEHBP. FMA has touted the benefits of a “Self Plus One” option for several years in its issue briefs. 

The Public Employees Roundtable (PER) is taking the lead in celebrating Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), May 5-11. PSRW is the nationwide public education campaign honoring the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees or as members of the Armed Forces.

In a March 28 letter to Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Chuck Hagel, Maine Senators Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I) expressed their gratitude towards DOD for working towards lowering the impact of furloughs brought on by the sequester. Currently, DOD civilian employees face fourteen days of furloughs, amounting to twenty percent of lost wages. Furloughs were originally to last twenty-two days, yet because of the continuing resolution to fund the government, DOD gained extra funding, allowing for spending flexibility. DOD delayed the implementation of furloughs until mid to late June and will last through September 2013. During this time, Senators Collins and King noted military readiness supported by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will be hindered.  

Representative Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) introduced legislation calling for an increase in oversight and regulation of prescription drug costs within the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP). The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Prescription Drug Integrity, Transparency and Cost Savings Act (H.R. 1367) caps prescription drug prices for FEHBP enrolled federal employees. According to Lynch, FEHBP participants pay fifteen to forty-five percent more than federal employees who are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and health programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  

Showing solidarity with federal employees who are furloughed due to sequestration, President Barack Obama, Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Attorney General Eric Holder, Department of State Secretary John Kerry, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and Department of Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew stated they will either donate part of their salary to charity or return it to the Treasury. Furloughed federal workers face losing up to twenty percent of their salary once furloughed. President Obama and Secretary Kerry announced they are giving up five percent of their pay, and Attorney General Holder stated he will give up his pay for every day Department of Justice workers go without pay. 

Earn your degree in mobil-ology at the 13th semi-annual Spring Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The all-day conference will study the rise in telework, mobile work, and how to ensure your workforce is secure on-the-go. Hear from more than 50 speakers as government and industry leaders discuss best practices in telework and mobility. Registration is complimentary for government employees.

Department of Defense (DOD) Under Secretary Robert Hale announced the department will not see furloughs next year, regardless of its finances. While DOD gained some spending flexibility with the passage of the continuing resolution (CR) last month, funding will still fall short. In order to combat these problems, DOD issued hiring freezes, laid off temporary employees, cut back on travel, and reduced maintenance. If these cuts do not meet DOD’s financial demands, Hale commented reductions in force and involuntary separations will be considered. 

Following a third delay of implementation, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) issued a March 2013 report to Members of Congress and the President on the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act (P.L. 112-105), bringing attention the fact that the law poses a security threat to senior executives. P.L. 112-105 calls upon executive and legislative departments to post financial disclosures of senior level federal employees online. NAPA found posting financial information raised the concern of identity theft and privacy. The organization urged congress to indefinitely postpone implementing the STOCK Act, especially since there are already safeguards in place to ensure federal workers do not misuse institutional knowledge for financial gain.  

One of the many benefits of your Federal Managers Association (FMA) membership is a chance to win a FMA-Federal Employee and Education Assistance Fund (FEEA) Scholarship. Every year, FMA members and their families win educational scholarships that assist with the costs of obtaining an education. In addition to the FMA Scholarship, applicants are also entered into FEEA's general scholarship competition as well, giving you two opportunities to apply for scholarships with just one application. Also, grandchildren of FMA members now qualify to apply for an FMA Scholarship. Please take advantage of this outstanding membership benefit!

The National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations met for the second time this year on Wednesday, March 20. As first established in 2009 by an executive order (E.O. 13522), the Council calls upon federal departments and agencies, as well as representatives of federal managers and employees, to develop best practices promoting effectiveness and efficiency within the federal government. The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is one of the two organizations on the council representing managers. At this most recent meeting, members of the Council eagerly discussed the current climate of the federal workforce and the state of employee morale.

In the spring of 2012, the General Services Administration (GSA) came under fire for reckless spending for conferences in July and August of 2010. An audit from the GSA Inspector General found the agency spent over $2,700 per attendant. Because of the misuse and mismanagement of funds, GSA terminated several leaders, including Paul Prouty, the former GSA Region 8 Commissioner. However, on Monday, March 11, Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) found Prouty innocent of any wrongdoing. MSPB Administrative Judge Patricia Miller ruled there was no evidence to support the allegation Prouty knew of excessive spending of funds.

Federal employees found themselves between a rock and hard place in order to keep the federal government running. In an agreement to continue funding the government through September 2013, the House and Senate agreed to legislation (H.R. 933) on March 21, extending the federal pay freeze through December 2013, adding a third year to the original two year plan. Additionally, this continuing resolution (CR) does not address the across-the-board cuts of sequestration. The CR’s $984 billion spending package includes funding for appropriations bills addressing the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Veterans Affairs, and military construction. This marks the third year Congress avoided developing a budget through the appropriations process, and instead relied on a CR to keeping funding levels stagnant.   

Major General Robert E. Wheeler, Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers and Information Infrastructure, for the U.S. Department of Defense, will present the luncheon keynote address at the 13th semi-annual Spring Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Hear from more than fifty government and industry speakers at the all-day training, which will discuss best practices for telework and mobility in targeted sessions focusing on telework leadership, workforce management, and mobile workforce management strategies. Registration is complimentary for government employees.

Early in the morning on Saturday, March 23, the Senate passed a fiscal year budget along party lines by a vote of 50-49. Since FY10, Congress relied on a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government, keeping spending levels stagnant. The legislation, S.Con.Res. 8, sets spending levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023. Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) originally introduced the legislation, which also includes a provision reversing sequestration and does not impact federal retirement benefits.

Mirroring a budget plan introduced last year, the House approved budget legislation calling for changes to federal retirement benefits and the size of government, while keeping the sequester intact. Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, introduced his plan for the fiscal year 2014 budget on Tuesday, March 15. The legislation, H.Con.Res. 25 calls for increases to pension contributions from federal employees; uses the highest five years of earning to calculate benefits, moving from the current“high-three;” defers cost-of-living adjustments for federal retirees until the age of sixty-two; and, reduces the number of federal employees by ten percent through attrition by 2015. On March 21, H.Con.Res. 25 passed within the House by a vote of 221-207, closely following party lines, with only ten Republicans voting against the legislation. 

In a joint hearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittees on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census; and, Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs, leaders within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Commerce addressed the difficulty of cutting agency budgets, despite the threat of sequestration. Chairman Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.) and Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) expressed their dismay with federal agencies inability to reduce budgets. The hearing, titled, “Sequestration Oversight: Understanding the Administration’s Decisions on Spending Cuts and Furloughs,” addressed of the Office of Management and Budget’s directive to federal agencies to continue normal spending and operations five months before the sequester was to take effect.

During a full committee markup, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved legislation which calls for the termination of federal employees who the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deemed delinquent on their taxes. The Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act (H.R. 249), as introduced by Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), targets federal employees who are in outstanding debt to the federal government and a public lien has been filed. Further, the bill prohibits employment of those with a history of tax delinquency. The bill passed by a voice vote on March 20.

Despite the sequester taking effect on March 1, members of the Federal Managers Association (FMA) met March 4-6, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. for the organization’s 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. Members met to discuss the direction of the association, the 2013 legislative agenda, and how to combat sequestration and budget constraints. FMA members braved sleet and freezing rain to meet with their Representatives and Senators to discuss their priorities and address concerns the 113th Congress holds for the federal workforce. Attendees heard from government leaders and innovative speakers on the changing role of government and what FMA members can do to raise the bar on efficiency throughout departments and agencies. In contrast to the constant attacks against federal workers, the convention reminded attendees of the excellent work federal managers do on a daily basis and their necessity to ensure a fully functioning government.

Once President Barack Obama initiated sequestration on March 1, federal agencies needed to plan how to address deep across-the-board cuts. Agency leaders face $85 billion in cuts, and many look towards furloughs of federal employees in order to meet reduced funds while trying to meet agency missions and goals. Some agencies have already announced furloughs of up to twenty-two days, which translates to a twenty percent reduction in pay. Most recently, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance for employees on how mandatory leave will be addressed.

To ensure agencies properly spend tax dollars on sponsored conventions, the House Oversight and Government Reform (OGR) Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and the Census held a hearing on February 27. Since the General Services Administration (GSA) spent over $800,000 on conferences in Las Vegas in 2010, OGR has heavily scrutinized conferences sponsored by the federal government to ensure frivolous spending does not take place. In the hearing, titled, “The Road Less Traveled: Reducing Federal Travel & Conference Spending,” Chairman Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.) and Ranking Member Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) heard from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Comptroller Danny Werfel, Representative Rush Holt (D-N.J.), and GSA Chief Administrative Services Officer Cynthia Metzler on the importance of conferences and how federal agencies are finding economical and efficient methods to implement them. 

On March 27, the continuing resolution (CR) that sets spending rates for the federal government will expire. In order to keep the government funded, on March 6, the House passed H.R. 933 by a vote of 267-161, providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), Military Construction (MilCon), Veterans Affairs (VA), and a CR. The bill, as introduced by Representative Hal Rogers (R-Ken.), provides flexible funding for DOD, MilCon, and VA at levels that were reached through a bipartisan process last year in the House. However, the legislation freezes the pay of federal employees through the end of 2013.

While sequestration went into effect on March 1, most federal employees will not see notices of furloughs associated with the cuts until April. In order to avoid these devastating cuts, Representative Blake Farenthold (R-Tex) introduced H.R. 950, the Protecting America’s Civilian Employees (PACE) Act. The legislation calls upon the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress on how funds could be transferred within federal agencies and departments in order to avoid furloughs and reductions in force.

If Members of Congress fail to act, on March 1 sequestration will go into effect. This means $85 billion in across-the-board cuts for the first year, furloughs of federal employees, and delays of services to the American public. Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus wrote to lawmakers on February 13 expressing FMA’s deep concerns on sequestration and the effects it will have. The threat of sequestration has been present for more than a year, and multiple agency heads have warned about the negative impact of sequestration. Yet Members of Congress have not developed a plan to avoid these cuts.

Closely following party lines, on February 15, the House of Representatives voted in favor of H.R. 273, by 261 to 154. H.R. 273 calls for an extension of the federal pay freeze through December 2013. This bill negates an Executive Order issued by President Barack Obama, E.O. 13633, which provides a pay raise of 0.5 percent to federal workers after March 27, 2013. Additionally, the bill freezes Members of Congress’ pay as well, making this bill politically motivated. If Representatives voted in favor of the bill, it would be seen as a means to curb their salary and the national deficit; if they voted against it, it would be seen as a vote for their own pay raise.

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce the 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, A Century of Dedicated Service to America, will take place March 3-6, 2013. The event will be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., and will honor FMA’s 100 years of dedicated service to America with a special Anniversary Gala on March 6.

Not only will does sequestration impose the threat of furloughs, federal employees are also threatened by the fact that Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions will not be made or will be reduced. If Congress cannot develop a solution to avoid the across-the-board cuts as called for in sequestration, federal employees can face furloughs as early as mid-April and reduced budgets for departments. As a result, the TSP advisory board commented that investors who are put on unpaid leave will not receive the same contributions they received before the furlough.

One of the many benefits of your Federal Managers Association (FMA) membership is a chance to win a FMA-Federal Employee and Education Assistance Fund (FEEA) Scholarship. Every year, FMA members and their families win educational scholarships that assist with the costs of obtaining an education. In addition to the FMA Scholarship, applicants are also entered into FEEA's general scholarship competition as well, giving you two opportunities to apply for scholarships with just one application. Also, grandchildren of FMA members now qualify to apply for an FMA Scholarship. Please take advantage of this outstanding membership benefit! 

Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, military branch leaders urged Senators to avoid sequestration before cuts are set to take effect on March 1. They further warned of utilizing a continuing resolution (CR) in lieu of developing a budget through the appropriate appropriations process. The February 12 hearing, conducted by Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-Okla.), included testimony from Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD) Ashton Carter, United States Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh III, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, Commandant of the Marine Corps General James Amos, and Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Frank Grass. Leaders of the military branches urged Senators to avoid these fiscal downfalls for the good of the nation. Cuts from sequestration and the use of a CR would limit the ability of the country’s defense system.

Federal Managers Association (FMA) members and all federal employees continue to face a challenging environment on Capitol Hill. Despite the extraordinary sacrifices federal employees have already made in the name of deficit reduction – far more than any other group – these same employees remain prime targets for further sacrifice. In response, the FMA National Office – in consultation with the Executive Board, chapter leaders and Members-at-Large – has developed our 2013 legislative agenda.

With sequestration set to take place in March 2013, the Senate Appropriations Committee called upon various leaders of federal agencies for a better understanding of how the $85 billion cuts through the remainder of the fiscal year will affect their missions and goals, as well as the public they serve. On February 14, Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the committee, presided over the hearing. Daniel Werfel, Federal Controller of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); Arne Duncan, Secretary of the Department of Education; Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and, Ashton Carter, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense provided testimony. 

As a means to avoid sequestration, Republican members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees recently introduced legislation calling for reductions in the federal workforce. Representative Buck McKeon (R-Cali.) and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), the lead sponsors of the bills, call for workforce reductions in the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act (H.R. 593/S. 263). Under the legislation, for every three employee that leave the civil service, federal agencies will only replace one. According to Senator Ayotte, this would result in $85 billion in savings. 

On February 8, Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Representative Frank Wolf (R-Va.) gave praise to federal workers on separate occasions. Both Members of Congress called for greater recognition of federal workers and the work they do on a daily basis for their fellow Americans. Federal employees are under seeming constant criticism against their livelihoods. With sequestration impending in March, lawmakers have been looking where cuts can be taken to avoid across-the-board cuts. While the civil service has already contributed over $100 billion in deficit reduction, Members of the House and Senate have called for further sacrifices from the federal workforce.

March 4-6, 2013, the Federal Managers Association (FMA) will host its 75th annual National Convention and Training Seminar. These action packed days will provide federal managers and supervisors with invaluable information on the changing nature of the federal workforce and how they can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agencies. Additionally, FMA will celebrate its 100th anniversary. FMA members will meet at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., to have open discussions on topics of importance to federal managers. 

On Friday, February 1, Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) expressed he would be open to additional cuts to the federal workforce’s pay and benefits, as long as they were part of a package plan, asking for contributions from other groups for deficit reduction. As a result of the federal pay freeze and changes to benefits, federal managers and employees have contributed $103 billion to deficit reduction. Members of Congress are currently faced with developing a means to avoid across-the-board cuts through the process of sequestration set to take place in March 2013.

Following remarks made by Department of Defense leaders on the effects of sequestration, the Army, Navy, and Air Force issued guidance on how the departments are approaching the prospect of the across-the-board cuts. While the branches announced all actions will be reversible if the budgetary situation improves, civilian hiring freezes and layoffs of temporary workers are being implemented. Additionally, military branches are looking at tightened budgets if Congress fails to develop a budget. If instead Congress extends the current continuing resolution, keeping spending levels the same as last year’s, military branches will come short of their financial needs. 

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce the 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, A Century of Dedicated Service to America, will take place March 3-6, 2013. The event will be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., and will honor FMA’s 100 years of dedicated service to America with a special Anniversary Gala on March 6.

One of the many benefits of your Federal Managers Association (FMA) membership is a chance to win a FMA-Federal Employee and Education Assistance Fund (FEEA) Scholarship. Every year, FMA members and their families win educational scholarships that assist with the costs of obtaining an education. In addition to the FMA Scholarship, applicants are also entered into FEEA's general scholarship competition as well, giving you two opportunities to apply for scholarships with just one application. Also, grandchildren of FMA members now qualify to apply for an FMA Scholarship. Please take advantage of this outstanding membership benefit! 

During his confirmation hearing on January 31 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, former Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) addressed concerns of the future of the Department of Defense (DOD), how he would lead DOD through lean economic times and what, in his view, are the most prevalent concerns facing today’s military. Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.) also questioned Hagel on his positions on U.S. military forces abroad and DOD infrastructure.

The importance of stewardship in the federal workforce was brought to light in a January 2013 report from the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB). During this time of tightened budgets and close overlook of government operations, MSPB noted the need for federal managers to properly address poor performers, cut waste, and provide necessary training to employees to obtain a highly functioning workforce. In her opening letter to the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House, MSPB Chairwoman Susan Tsui Grundmann stated, “In the current environment, it is more important than ever for federal agencies and federal leaders to demonstrate that they are good stewards of the resources entrusted to them—including the federal workforce.”

With almost unanimous consent, on January 26, the Senate voted 94-3 to confirm John Kerry as the next Secretary of State. Hillary Clinton, who served as Secretary of State during President Barack Obama’s first term, stepped down on February 1. Upon confirmation, Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) stated, “I believe that Secretary Kerry will be open to systemic reforms within the department while remaining a strong advocate for America’s interests around the world.”

On January 28 and 29, Social Security Administrator (SSA) Commissioner Michael Astrue and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood announced they are stepping down from their positions. Secretary LaHood announced he will stay on until his successor is named. While Commissioner Astrue’s term expired on January 19, he is able to remain in his post until his replacement is named. Sec. LaHood served in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet throughout his first term and Commissioner Astrue held his position since 2007, when he was appointed by then-President George W. Bush.

Tackling one of the obstacles to the national economy, the Senate passed the House bill, H.R. 325, extending the debt limit through May 18, 2013. The bill passed in the upper chamber by a vote of 64-34 on January 31, following House passage a week earlier by a vote of 285-144. President Barack Obama stated he will sign it into law. Representative Dave Camp (R-Mich.) originally introduced H.R. 325, which also included a provision requiring Congress to pass a budget by April 15 or lawmakers will not be paid their salaries. 

During the consideration of the Disaster Relief Act (H.R. 152), Representative Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) introduced an amendment to offset the cost of providing assistance to those areas affected by Hurricane Sandy this past October with across-the-board cuts of 1.63 percent to all federal agencies. The motion to include the amendment in the legislation failed by a vote of 162-258. 

While the deal to avoid the fiscal cliff postponed across-the-board cuts through the process of sequestration until March, the Department of Defense (DOD) warned of the ramifications if Congress does not come to an agreement on how resolve the spending conundrum. In a press briefing on January 10, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey spoke to the deep cuts DOD would face if Congress carried through with sequestration. In order to meet the demands of $50 billion in cuts, Secretary Panetta announced DOD will look at furloughs of permanent employees, termination of temporary employees, and freeze civilian hiring. 

On January 15, Representative Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) introduced legislation (H.R. 273) calling for an extension of the federal pay freeze through December 2013, adding another year to the freeze. The bill would effectively overturn an Executive Order from President Barack Obama, E.O. 13633, which provides a pay raise of 0.5 percent to federal workers after March 27, 2013. 

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce the 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, A Century of Dedicated Service to America, will take place March 3-6, 2013. The event will be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., and will honor FMA’s 100 years of dedicated service to America with a special Anniversary Gala on March 6.

One of the many benefits of your Federal Managers Association (FMA) membership is a chance to win a FMA-Federal Employee and Education Assistance Fund (FEEA) Scholarship. Every year, FMA members and their families win educational scholarships that assist with the costs of obtaining an education. In addition to the FMA Scholarship, applicants are also entered into FEEA's general scholarship competition as well, giving you two opportunities to apply for scholarships with just one application. Also, grandchildren of FMA members now qualify to apply for an FMA Scholarship. Please take advantage of this outstanding membership benefit! 

Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) reintroduced legislation calling for the termination of federal employees who are delinquent with tax payment. The Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act (H.R. 249), introduced on January 15, targets federal employees who are in outstanding debt to the federal government and a public lien has been filed. The bill also prohibits the federal government from hiring individuals with a history of tax delinquency. Rep. Chaffetz introduced the same legislation during the 112th Congress; while it passed within the House, it failed to move within the Senate. 

During the first meeting of the new year on January 16, the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations discussed the direction the Council will take in 2013 to ensure it will continue to meet its mission. An Executive Order (E.O. 13522) established the Council in 2009 to review and develop methods of discussion for a cooperative relationship between labor and management within the executive branch. The Federal Managers Association (FMA) has been a member of the Council since its inception, and is one of the two management associations that holds a seat. 

In a January 14 memo to heads of departments and agencies, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Deputy Director for Management Jeffrey Zients warned of the ramifications if Congress cannot develop a solution to sequestration, set to take place on March 1, 2013. Zients has not issued guidance on the cuts since July 2012, when he advised agencies to continue normal operations. He warned agencies furloughs can happen as a reaction to $85 billion in cuts that are set to take place, greatly affecting services and operations. 

Responding to a dip in pledges during the 2010 and 2011 campaigns, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) submitted plans to amend the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) in order to better solicit funds. CFC offers an opportunity for federal workers to donate to various philanthropic organizations. With the fiftieth anniversary of CFC in 2011, OPM established the CFC-50 Commission to examine how OPM can strengthen CFC effectiveness. From the Commission’s findings, OPM proposed several rules for change. In a letter to OPM Director John Berry, CFC-50 Commission Co-Chairs Thomas Davis and Beverly Byron stated, “The many civilian, postal and military personnel who give year in and year out are helping tens of thousands of charities do their work in every corner of our country and overseas as well. This history of generosity is work preserving and strengthening.”

Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar announced his resignation from his position on January 16, just a week after Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced her departure. The two served on President Barack Obama’s Cabinet throughout his first term. Additionally, both Secretary Solis and Salazar served within Congress, as a Representative and Senator respectively.

At the wire, Congress approved the American Taxpayer Relief Act (H.R. 8) measures preventing the nation’s economy from going over the fiscal cliff. Agreements reached by both parties and congressional chambers addressing the end of the Bush-era tax cuts and across-the-board cuts through the process of sequestration. The deal came a day before the nation was set to go over the cliff on January 2, 2013. This last minute deal was brokered by Vice President Joseph Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) and called for the $1.2 trillion in cuts from sequestration to be delayed until March, after the 113th Congress has been sworn in. On December 31, 2012, the Senate agreed to the deal by a vote of 89-9, and on January 1, 2013, the House agreed to it by a vote of 257-167. On January 2, 2013, President Barack Obama signed the bill into law.

On December 27, 2012, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order (E.O. 13633) calling for across-the-board increases for federal pay by 0.5 percent, effectively ending the two-year pay freeze. The pay freeze began in 2011 as a means for Congress to reign in government spending, and was extended to March 27, 2013, as part of a continuing resolution to ensure continued government funding (P.L. 112-175), which passed in September 2012. 

While the fiscal cliff deadline loomed, on December 19, 2012, the House of Representatives proposed a solution calling for increases to federal employees’ pension contributions. The Spending Reduction Act (H.R. 6684), as introduced by Representative Eric Cantor (R-Va.), included legislation to increase contributions to both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Employees covered by either plan would have seen a five percent increase to their contributions over five years: a 1.5 percent increase in 2013, 0.5 percent in 2014, and one percent in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce the 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, A Century of Dedicated Service to America, will take place March 3-6, 2013. The event will be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., and will honor FMA’s 100 years of dedicated service to America with a special Anniversary Gala on March 6.

In its annual Best Places to Work survey, the Partnership for Public Service found 60.8 percent of 687,000 federal employees who participated in the survey are satisfied with their job. The data was collected from the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which is conducted every year by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The Partnership has conducted these rankings since 2003, and the 2012 score is the lowest it has ever been. It decreased by 3.2 percentage points from the 2011 score. Leading factors in employee satisfaction were effective leadership, pairing employee skills with agency mission, and pay. 

In an op-ed to the Federal Times, at the height of fiscal cliff negotiations, Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) praised the hard work of the federal workforce. Along with the work federal employees do on a daily basis for the nation, they have done so with a two-year pay federal pay freeze that has been extended until March 2013; attacks against their health and retirement benefits; and, disparaging remarks regarding the value of their job. Representative Hoyer, second in leadership among House Democrats, spoke out on his support of the federal workforce, and the importance it serves.

Continuing to control federal agencies’ expenses, the General Services Administration (GSA) recently created an advisory committee aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, on December 27, 2012, GSA announced government-wide per diem rates will remain at fiscal year 2012 levels. These actions follow a request from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) calling for federal agencies to decrease travel spending levels for fiscal year 2013 by thirty percent of FY2010 levels. 

On January 1, Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) introduced a bill, H.R. 6726, calling for an extension of federal pay freeze through fiscal year 2014. H.R. 6726 would have prevented pay raises for Members of Congress, and froze congressional salaries. The bill passed shortly after its introduction by a vote of 287-129, closely following party lines. 

The Senate introduced bipartisan legislation calling for the benefits to be extended to the same sex partners of federal workers, much like the benefits that are awarded to spouses of federal employees. Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) introduced the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (S. 1910) in November 2011 and passed in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. S. 1910 allowed for domestic partners of federal workers to receive similar benefits allotted to married federal workers, including health and life insurance, family and medical leave, and retirement benefits.

Discrimination complaints can now be heard in front of federal district court thanks to a ruling from the Supreme Court made on December 10, 2012. In 2005, Carolyn Kloeckner was terminated from the Department of Labor after complaining of sex and age discrimination, as well as a hostile work environment. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) dismissed the case due to the fact that the filing deadline had passed. Upon trying to appeal the case in district court, the Missouri-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the appeal could only be heard in federal circuit, which is based in Washington, D.C., the same as MSPB.

Before the holiday season, President Barack Obama announced his nomination of Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) for Secretary of the Department of State (DOS). Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced she will leave her position once the Senate confirms her replacement. On December 21, 2012, the President remarked in front of press in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on the qualifications of the Senator and the accomplishments of Secretary Clinton. 

On December 4, the Senate moved forward with the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 3254) (NDAA), providing funding to the military for fiscal year 2013. Section 341 of the Senate’s version of NDAA calls upon the Department of Defense (DOD) to reduce the civilian and contractor workforce by five percent over the next five years. The House-passed version does not contain a similar provision and conferees from both the House and Senate will meet to iron out differences between the two bills. 

The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season has started! CFC offers an opportunity for federal workers to donate to various philanthropic organizations. Last year, almost one million federal employees donated over $272 million and once again, feds are given the opportunity to make a one-time donation to the charity of their choice or multiple donations though payroll deductions. 

As positive recruitment and retention rates are a constant goal within the federal government, the Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) program is a vital resource to encourage recent graduates to become members of the federal workforce. Recently, the Partnership for Public Service published a study on the characteristics of the 2011 PMF class, and showed fellows have a positive impression of federal work. Overall, fellows who participated in the report scored 72.7 points out of 100 in job satisfaction. Two hundred and seventy-four fellows participated in the study that took place from November 2011 to December 2011.

The Senate unanimously passed the Hatch Act Modernization Act (S. 2170), originally introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Haw.) on December 3, allowing state and local government workers to run for a partisan office, and also amending penalty provisions. Currently, those who violate the Hatch Act are subject to immediate termination. S. 2170 would call upon the Office of Special Counsel to allow for penalties including not only removal, but also reduction in grade, suspension, reprimand, suspension from federal employment for five years, and monetary penalties. The House is currently considering its own version of the bill, H.R. 4152.

The Partnership of Public Service is now accepting applications for the 2013 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies). The Sammies honor federal workers throughout the country who show exemplarily work and are dedicated to serving the nation. Winners are chosen based on their commitment and the impact of their work on serving the needs of their fellow Americans. Nominations may be made by anyone who is familiar with the nominee and his or her work. 

For a third time, Congress and the President called for the delay of implementing the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act (P.L. 112-105). Executive and legislative departments now have until April 15, 2013, to post financial disclosures of senior level federal employees online. The delay allows for the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct a study examining issues of transparency, and national and personal security that arise from financial disclosure called for by the STOCK Act. 

On November 21, nine members of the House of Representatives, led by Congressman Jim Moran (D-Va.), wrote to President Barack Obama, Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio), and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.), expressing their concern with the continued use of the federal workforce as a primary solution to the nation’s fiscal woes. “Since the beginning of 2011, through various legislative and administration actions, the budget savings derived from reduced compensation and benefits for the federal workforce has totaled at least $103 billion (or more than $50,000 per employee), as measured over the ten year budget window,” the letter stated.

The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce the 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, A Century of Dedicated Service to America, will take place March 3-6, 2013. The event will be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., and will honor FMA’s 100 years of dedicated service to America with a special Anniversary Gala on March 6.

As part of a solution for fiscal reform, Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) recently proposed reforming the federal workforce. While his recommendations would produce $4.5 trillion in fiscal reforms, effectively replacing sequestration, it would call for deep cuts to personnel and “bring its compensation in line with private-sector benefits.” Senator Corker introduced his proposal in a Washington Post op-ed on November 25. 

Following a report issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), bringing to light excessive spending on conferences, Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould appeared before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on November 28 to answer questions on transparency, oversight, and actions VA is taking to ensure wasteful spending does not happen again. This summer, OIG found inaccuracies in how much VA spent on training events held in Orlando, Florida, in July and August of 2011. The initial report stated, “While VA reported lower estimates of conference costs to Congress, we reconstructed the cost of the two conference events to be approximately $6.1 million. However, we could not gain reasonable assurance that this figure represents a complete accounting of the conference costs... Accountability and controls were inadequate to ensure effective management and reporting of the dollars spent.” Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) presided over the hearing.

Congressional leaders face the impending fiscal cliff and the pressure is mounting to find suitable substitutions for across-the-board budget cuts. The Federal Managers Association (FMA), along with other members of the Federal-Postal Coalition, sent a letter to members of Congress on November 19 reminding them of the sacrifices the federal workforce has already made for the purpose of deficit reduction. The Federal-Postal Coalition urged Representatives and Senators to keep federal pay and benefits off the table when they develop a compromise.

The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season has started! CFC offers an opportunity for federal workers to donate to various philanthropic organizations. Last year, almost one million federal employees donated over $272 million and once again, feds are given the opportunity to make a one-time donation to the charity of their choice or multiple donations though payroll deductions. 

Before adjourning for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, nine members of the House of Representatives wrote to President Barack Obama in support of the federal workforce. The Representatives from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., urged the President to keep federal workers’ pay and benefits off the table during upcoming talks on avoiding the fiscal cliff. If members of Congress and the President are unable to agree on a plan by January 2, 2013, across-the-board spending cuts of the amount of $1.2 trillion will take place through the process of sequestration. Additionally, the legislative and administrative branches will need to reach an agreement on whether or not to extend the Bush-era tax cuts along with raising the national debt ceiling. 

Federal employees focus on mission in face of adversity.

Federal Times

Federal Times invited readers to reflect on the state of public service and on what, if anything, should be done to improve it.

Public sector roundup: Obama budget proposal calls for 1 percent federal pay raise, increased pension contributions

By Louis C. LaBrecque, Bloomberg BNA

President Barack Obama released his budget plan for fiscal year 2014 on April 10. While he included a one percent increase to federal pay, he called for the use of a chained consumer price index (CPI) in order to calculate cost-of-living-adjustments. "The chained CPI rises more slowly than the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W)--a measure of inflation used by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics--because it takes changes to consumers' spending habits into account." A chained CPI would result in lower increases to COLAs, negatively affecting retirees.

House rejects bill that would allow Uncle Sam to fire federal tax cheats

By Kellie Lunney, Government Executive

The night of Monday, April 15, the House of Representatives voted against the Federal Employee Tax Ability Act (H.R. 249). The legislation, as introduced by Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), called for the termination of federal employees deemed delinquent in paying taxes. Additionally, the bill prohibits federal employment for those with serious tax debt. In 2011, the Internal Revenue Service reported only 3.6 percent of the civilian workforce are tax delinquent, while the nation faces a rate of 8.2 percent. 

Government Executive Reports Leaders Donating to FEEA

FEEA -- FMA's Official Charity -- gets high-profile boost.

Washington, D.C.

At the Federal Managers Association's 100th Anniversary Gala on March 6, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director John Berry thanks the crowd, affirming that "your service to our nation - both in and out of uniform - is a precious and essential thing."

Hunting for "Great Ideas" Should Be an Everyday Affair, GSA Chief Says

Charles Clark, Government Executive

Dan Tangherlini, Acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), delivered the keynote address to the Federal Managers Association (FMA) National Convention on Tuesday. Discussing the convention's theme of "Innovative Approaches to Effective Management," Tangherlini stated that the GSA Great Ideas Hunt – an in-house dialog on innovation – has so far saved $6 million.

Delegate lays blame for sequester

Camille Tuutti, FCW: The Business of Federal Technology

Kicking off the Federal Managers Association (FMA)'s 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) of the House of Representatives showed tremendous support for the federal managers and the federal community with her feverish disapproval of the sequester and the situation it has placed the federal workforce. Federal agencies and departments face unprecedented cuts, $85 billion of which they will see in the first year, due to inability of the House and Senate to reach a compromise on federal spending. 

GSA’s Tangherlini urges managers to boost collaboration, idea sharing

Nicole Johnson, Federal Times

On February 22, 2013, FEDtalk hosted Federal Managers Association (FMA) Executive Director Todd Wells and Director of Government Affairs Greg Stanford to discuss the upcoming 75th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. March 3-6, 2013, FMA members as wells as federal managers and supervisors throughout the federal government will gather at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. to discuss best practices, the direction of the federal workforce, and the future of FMA. 

On January 30, Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus spoke on Your Turn with Mike Causey on the impending shutdown and furloughs the federal government is facing if Congress cannot develop a solution to sequestration that is set to take place in March. 

Pentagon will have to shed thousands of jobs during next few years under bill

By Kellie Lunney, Government Executive

As part of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, the civilian and contractor workforce will reduce by five percent, about 36,000 jobs, over the next five years. The House and Senate have called for civilian defense personnel to be appropriately sized to reflect the needs of the nation’s military force. 

FEDmanager

In a recent article, the Federal Managers Association (FMA) discussed the need for succession planning within the federal workforce as many feds approach retirement age. It is imperative for federal agencies to examine how a loss of institutional knowledge will affect their missions and goals. 

Maryland Democrat: Federal pay and benefits remain a GOP target

By Kellie Lunney, Government Executive

Speaking to members of the Federal-Postal Coalition, of which the Federal Managers Association is a member, Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) stated while there is no specific legislation targeting the federal workforce in order to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, that does not mean pay and benefits are not off the table. Throughout the 112th Congress, federal managers and employees have bared the brunt of righting the nation’s fiscal ship, and Rep. Van Hollen expressed his concern stating, “Virtually every proposal that has come before Congress over the last two years has taken a meat axe to federal employees.”

Overpaid or underpaid, feds had quite a week

By Kellie Lunney, Government Executive

The Federal-Postal Coalition, which the Federal Managers Association (FMA) is an active member, released an analysis of a report from the Congressional Budget Office in January that fund federal workers are overpaid in relation to their private sector counterparts by sixteen percent.

Harl Sanderson, the Federal Managers Association's 2012 "Manager of the Year", appeared on Federal News Radio Friday morning to discuss his integral role in ongoing projects that better the lives of Beale Air Force Base residents and workers.

During a Federal News Radio special exploring the Obama Administration's implementation of its promise to make government service "cool again," FMA President Patricia Niehaus commented on the unfair attacks on the federal workforce in the effort to reduce the government deficit.

In a recent article in FEDmanager, the Federal Managers Association (FMA) discussed the effects of sequestration and how across-the-board cuts will impact the daily lives of federal managers. On top of the current two-year pay freeze, threats to reduce benefits, and constant fed bashing, federal employees are facing smaller staffs and reduced agency budgets if Congress fails to find a way to avoid reducing the budget by $1.2 trillion.

Legislative roundup: What feds should expect when Congress returns to work

Federal News Radio

On August 24, members of the Federal-Postal Coalition, of which the Federal Managers Association is a member, were heard on FEDTalk, discussing the problems of proposed increases to retirement contributions, an extension of the federal pay freeze, and the denigration of the federal workforce. 

Obama extends pay freeze until Congress passes a budget

By Kellie Lunney, Government Executive

Federal Managers Association National President Patricia Niehaus stated regarding extensions of the pay freeze, "Federal workers are responsible for protecting our borders, providing care for our veterans, and assisting our troops abroad. Yet they are unfairly painted as scapegoats for the nation’s deficit and budget crisis. At a time when more is being asked of our government, the American public deserves an engaged and efficient workforce; not one that is painted as the source of our country’s economic problems."

By Eric Yoder, Washington Post

Commenting on the state of federal managers and federal employees, Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus stated, "It is getting harder and harder as a manager to keep morale up when the federal workforce is consistently singled out as the first call for greater sacrifices."

Defending feds is part of a Virginia senator’s job description, Kaine says

Employee performance management

Telework is a work in progress

By Joe Davidson, Washington Post

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a report recently on the use of telework within federal agencies. Telework can reduce costs within government, promote efficiency, and improve employee morale. 

Congress includes language in fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.

During consideration of the fiscal year 2013 Military and Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill on the House floor, Federal Managers Association (FMA) National President Patricia Niehaus wrote each Member of the House of Representatives calling for the removal of language extending the pay freeze for civilian DOD and VA employees for another year.

Lawmakers urged to bring Hatch Act into the age of telework and social media

By Kellie Lunney Clark, Government Executive

During a hearing in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and Labor Policy, witnesses testified on an overwhelming need to update the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal workers from participating in political activity.

Houses passes bill to cut feds' take-home pay by 5%

By Stephen Losey, Federal Times

In a vote of 218-199, the House passed the Sequestration Replacement Act (H.R. 4966), calling for increases to federal employees' contributions to retirement plans.

Keeping the faith: Feds serve proudly amid heightened scrutiny

Federal Times

FMA National Vice President George Smith and Region 2 Director Dora Quinlan shared their concerns regarding the federal workforce. It is no secret federal workers have been under a lot of scrutiny, heard through negative congressional rhetoric and seen continual legislation calling for drastic changes in federal pay and benefits.

In an interview with Federal News Radio, FMA National Vice President George Smith commented on the unwarranted vitriol federal workers face and the importance of Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW).

Proposal to cut federal workforce raises concerns

By Emily Kopp, Federal News Radio

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted in favor of legislation last week that would cut the federal workforce by 10 percent.

How to keep lines of communication open between HQ and field

Federal News Radio

In an interview with Federal News Radio, FMA National President Patricia Niehaus commented on lines of communication between field and regional agency offices and D.C. offices.

Federal-Postal Coalition letter urges President to spare pensions

In a July 1 letter to President Obama, the Federal Managers Association, as part of the Federal-Postal Coalition, signed onto a letter with over 20 other federal and postal employee organizations urging the Administration to reject any cuts to federal pensions during talks with congressional leaders regarding the budget and the debt ceiling. A similar letter was also sent to leaders of both the House and the Senate.

Agriculture Department offers buyouts, early outs

By Kellie Lunney,Government Executive

The Agriculture Department is offering early outs to most employees and buyouts for 544 positions, joining a growing list of federal agencies that are trying to reshape their workforce in an austere budget environment.

Presidential hopeful would freeze federal salaries, reduce retirement benefits

By Kellie Lunney,Government Executive

GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty on Wednesday called for freezing government salaries, reducing benefits and shrinking the federal workforce.

Treasury taps federal pensions as Uncle Sam hits debt ceiling

By Kellie Lunney,Government Executive

The Treasury Department on Monday suspended investments into federal employees' pensions, as the government officially hit its debt ceiling of $14.3 trillion.

Six Percent Pay Cut is Halfway Home

By Mike Causey,FederalNewsRadio

Forget the pay freeze. Brace yourself for a pay cut too! Most federal workers would see their take-home pay drop 5 to 6 percent under legislation the Senate is scheduled to take up next week.

Bill would extend probation for new hires to at least 2 years

By Stephen Losey,Federal Times

A bill filed last week would extend the probation period for new federal employees from one year to two.

Is there an anti-fed movement in Congress?

Federal Managers Association Government Affairs Director Jessica Klement appeared on Your Turn with Mike Causey to discuss FMA's upcoming 73rd annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar and numerous legislative items floating around Capitol Hill impacting the civil service.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Legislation attacking federal employees to take center stage

Alexandria, VA - The Federal Managers Association's (FMA) Government Affairs Director Jessica Klement will appear on Your Turn with Mike Causey, tomorrow, Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 10:00 am. The interview will focus on a variety of issues facing federal employees in the first session of the 112th Congress, as well as the Association's upcoming 73rd annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. The radio show will broadcast on WFED 1500AM in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and nationwide onwww.federalnewsradio.com.

Legislation attacking federal employees to take center stage

Alexandria, VA - The Federal Managers Association's (FMA) Government Affairs Director Jessica Klement will appear on Your Turn with Mike Causey, tomorrow, Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 10:00 am. The interview will focus on a variety of issues facing federal employees in the first session of the 112th Congress, as well as the Association's upcoming 73rd annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar.

By Dave Garrison, Chapter 167 Vice-President

With sequestration looking like a seemingly unstoppable force, I wonder what the general public actually feels about it.

In the face of derision, feds do important, necessary work
By Patricia Niehaus, FMA National President

By Dick Oppedisano, FMA National Secretary

In a Sept. 30, 2011, Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled, "Streamlining Government: Key Practices from Select Efficiency Initiatives Should Be Shared Governmentwide," GAO stated that agencies are encouraged to find ways to operate more efficiently now and over the long term.

How telework can move ahead: The manager's perspective

By Patricia Niehaus, August 4, 2010

The telework bandwagon is on a roll, with Congress and the Obama administration touting the flexible work tool as the next big innovation in government efficiency. 

Time to Change the Conversation in Washington

By Patricia Niehaus, April 27, 2011

During his campaign, President Obama pledged to “make government cool again” to encourage civic participation and promote public service. 

FMA says hiring reforms must come first

By Patricia Niehaus

In 2010, the President and lawmakers continue to grapple with the demands posed by difficult economic conditions and military engagements on multiple fronts. 

"Silent patriots" are critical to nation’s survival

By Darryl Perkinson

We gather in locations around the country during Public Service Recognition Week to celebrate and honor the civil servants who provide this great country with what could be described as the heartbeat of democracy.

FMA National President Darryl Perkinson and Government and Public Affairs Director Thomas Richards appeared on the Federal News Radio Radio Show on July 14, 2006.

To listen to his interview please click here.

Darryl Perkinson, newly elected president of the Federal Managers Association, began his federal career a bit earlier than most. He was a junior in high school when he joined a pre-apprentice program at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Va. After heading off to Virginia Wesleyan College and doing a stint with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Perkinson came back to the shipyard 10 years later.

FMA National President Darryl Perkinson appeared on the FederalNewsRadio.com Radio Show on May 6, 2006.

To listen to his interview, please visit:

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/emedia/22176.mp3?title=For%20Your%20Benefit%20-%205/6/06

FMA National President Michael B. Styles appeared on GovExecLive! to discuss the challanges managers will face in the wake of new personnel reforms. To view a copy of the transcript, please visit the following link.

GovExecLive! With FMA President Michael B. Styles

FMA National President Michael B. Styles appeared on GovExecLive! to discuss the challanges managers will face in the wake of new personnel reforms. To view a copy of the transcript, please visit the following link.

GovExecLive! With FMA President Michael B. Styles