President Biden announced his budget request for Fiscal Year 2023 on March 28. He is calling for a 4.6 percent pay raise for the federal workforce in 2023. Federal Managers Association National President Craig Carter made the following comments on the announcement:

"FMA welcomes President Biden’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2023, on the heels of Congress and the Administration finalizing FY22 appropriations. We are hopeful the FY23 process will not drag out in a similar fashion, and we urge Congress to work to provide agencies with budget certainty and the resources they need on time for FY23.

“We note the 4.6 percent pay raise proposed for the federal workforce in 2023 would be the largest increase in 20 years, and we support the traditional pay parity for feds with the uniformed military. Earlier this year, FMA endorsed the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act (H.R. 6398 / S. 3518), which would provide for a 4.1 percent pay raise in 2023 and a 1 percent boost to locality pay. We support both proposals, but will continue to advocate for the FAIR Act as a reasonable boost for both the federal workforce and the military.

“Federal managers, and indeed all feds, deserve to be treated with respect for our efforts and the work we have performed over our careers. Every job we hold and perform daily is because of a congressional mandate. We work to fulfill these mandates to ensure American citizens are protected from enemies and disease, and ensure our way of life is protected for generations to come. It is essential that feds be given the ability to maintain a living wage that keeps up with inflation and that provides for them and their families.

“Additionally, as we’ve frequently said, FMA is concerned the federal pay ceiling cap has not kept up with the higher cost of living in many cities across the United States. This issue can and will play a role in recruitment and retention to the federal workforce. If an employee is offered a promotion at a higher level, with more responsibilities, but no corresponding salary increase, will they take on the new role? Many employees who are now capped may be tempted to leave the government for the private sector, where there is no pay cap, and this is an issue that will only get worse if it is not addressed now.

We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and Congress as they work on FY23 appropriations.”