FMA EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN SENATE FAILURE TO ADOPT AMENDMENT STRENGTHENING CIVIL SERVICE - June 10, 2009

Measure would have provided needed changes to improve the efficiency and viability of the federal government and its operations.

Alexandria, VA – The Federal Managers Association (FMA) expresses great disappointment in the Senate’s failure to approve an amendment (S.AMDT. 1256) to H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which would have provided the government with necessary changes to strengthen the civil service. The failed amendment, introduced by Senators Lieberman (I-Conn.), Akaka (D-Haw.), Collins (R-Me.) and Voinovich (R-Ohio), sought to extend critical benefits to members of the federal workforce.

“We are very discouraged that the Senate failed to reach an agreement on this proposed amendment to H.R. 1256 which would have provided federal employees and American taxpayers alike with immeasurable benefits,” FMA National President Darryl Perkinson lamented. “The Senate chose to disregard language approved in the House version of the bill to the detriment of the entire federal workforce. The proposals contained in Senator Lieberman’s amendment constitute good government initiatives, and FMA remains dedicated to advancing these measures through other avenues.”

Specifically, the amendment would have afforded employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) a credit for unused sick leave at the time of retirement, a benefit currently enjoyed by their counterparts in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The Office of Personnel Management currently estimates sick leave abuse costs taxpayers $68 million a year. Establishing a FERS sick leave credit sits atop FMA’s agenda and the Association worked hand-in-hand with Congressman Jim Moran (D-Va.) in crafting this legislation.

“The House clearly understands the importance of extending a sick leave credit to FERS employees, both as a productivity issue and an issue of equality,” asserted Perkinson. “By placing a value on sick leave, FERS employees are encouraged to use their leave responsibly, which improves managers’ ability to effectively supervise their workforce. The Senate’s failure to recognize the importance of this tool is inexplicable. American taxpayers must now bear the cost of the Senate’s inaction.”

The amendment further called for the establishment of a provision allowing FERS employees who leave the federal government the option to redeposit their previously cashed-out annuity if they return to government service. For purposes of determining annuity benefits, these employees would not have lost credit for previous years of service when returning to the federal workforce, a benefit currently available to CSRS employees.

“We urge the House to now bring H.R. 1256 to conference in order to underscore the importance of inserting the provisions contained in the amendment,” Perkinson concluded. “The House should not blindly approve the Senate version of this legislation which drastically departs from the bill the House endorsed in April. Too many people stand to lose if the Senate bill reaches the President’s desk.”