2016 - FMA Priorities on Capitol Hill
As a member of the oldest and largest association representing federal managers and supervisors, one of the most important benefits you receive is advocacy. The Federal Managers Association (FMA) has done critical work to pass legislation that protects you and the entirety of the federal workforce. Additionally, the association has successfully intervened on behalf of supervisors and managers in the federal government to correct issues within their departments.
- Professional Liability Insurance Reimbursement: In 2011, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ruled that many supervisors within the agency were ineligible to receive professional liability insurance reimbursement. FMA launched a full-scale government relations effort resulting in TSA reversing its position, providing thousands of supervisors the reimbursement they deserve.
- FERS Sick Leave Credit: Federal Employees Retirement System members receive an average of at least $500 a year for applying unused sick leave towards their retirement plan. FMA was the lead advocacy organization advancing this legislation through Congress.
- Hatch Act Reform: Feds are no longer subject to mandatory, immediate termination on a first offense of the Hatch Act. FMA submitted written testimony to congressional hearings in support of this common-sense reform.
- Phased Retirement: Employees who are retirement-eligible now have the choice of switching to part-time work, drawing a partial salary and a partial annuity, both prorated according to the time worked.
- Reemployed Annuitants Legislation: FMA?s efforts were crucial to the passage of legislation that allows retired feds to return to service part-time without offsetting their annuities.
- Locality Pay Extension: Federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories now receive locality pay. Thanks to work done by FMA local chapters in Hawaii, the legislation signed into law closely mirrored the original FMA proposal.
- FEHBP Self Plus One: In the Bipartisan Budget Plan (P.L. 113-67), Members of Congress called for the Office of Personnel Management to offer a ?Self Plus One? option to federal employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). FMA long advocated for this option, as it would immediately reduce federal spending and provide affordable health care to couples or single parents with one child. The option will be available in the 2016 FEHBP plan year.
Without FMA, this would not have been possible! However?
In 2013, Members of Congress failed to act and allowed sequestration to take effect. These drastic cuts slash federal departments and agencies? budgets and caused employee furloughs and delayed necessary programs and projects for the sake of cost savings. As elected officials realized how harmful these cuts are to federal agencies? missions and goals, they imposed a two-year delay until fiscal year 2016 on budgetary restraints. As sequestration once again looms over the federal workforce, FMA will work with Members of Congress to find a solution that does not impede the federal workforce. Members of Congress have publically decried this policy and FMA hopes that more thoughtful cost-savings can be put in place that also make solid investments in the federal workforce. FMA continues to work with Representatives and Senators to make investments in the workforce, such as providing supervisory training and extending the probationary period. By mandating funding for supervisory training, federal managers will be better equipped to address poor performers, motivate superior performance, and encourage efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, by extending the probationary period for a year after a federal agency or department?s training period is complete, managers will be more capable of judging employees? strengths and weaknesses. Federal managers know fully well the budget restraints the federal government faces. With policies such as these, FMA will continue to develop viable solutions that encourage employee engagement and create a federal government that promotes excellence in public service.
As the 114th Congress gets underway, FMA will continue its advocacy efforts, meeting with Members of Congress, expressing the concerns of members, reminding elected officials of the value of the federal workforce and the need for sound investments in order to create a sustainable federal government. As recent congressional policies directly impact recruitment and retention, as well as federal departments and agencies? ability to fulfill duties and missions, it is imperative that FMA continues to speak out for federal managers throughout the country, in order to improve the federal workforce.
Coalition Work
FMA is a prominent member of the Federal-Postal Coalition, the Government Managers Coalition, and the Public Employees Roundtable. By joining forces with organizations that represent the interests of nearly five million federal workers and retirees, we are able to make a greater impact on Capitol Hill by showing the full force of how damaging legislation can affect federal agencies and employees. Additionally, FMA and its membership take part in grassroots efforts, which allow members to express to their elected officials how legislation and policy affects not only federal workers and federal agencies, but also their families and the American people.
The Road Ahead
FMA will continue to educate those on Capitol Hill on the contributions of federal employees: protecting the country?s borders; ensuring the safety of our roads; caring for the elderly and veterans; and, assisting U.S. military forces at home and overseas. FMA will do all it can to ensure federal employees are treated fairly by meeting with Representatives and Senators; publicizing the damaging effects of budget and personnel cuts; and, working with FMA members to promote grassroots efforts. With your membership support, FMA will make an even bigger impact on Capitol Hill.
Help FMA Help You
Being an FMA member is the first, most important step to not only protecting your career, but to becoming the best public servant you can be. Following are some ways you can assist FMA staff and leaders help you and your career:
- Provide FMA National with your non-government email address so that we may alert you to any matter, political or not, that may affect your work.
- Personalize and forward action letters, provided by FMA, to your Senators and Representative.
- Take part in FMA Regional and/or Chapter meetings.
- Attend FMA?s National Convention and Management Training Convention each year in March.
- Visit your elected representatives and let them know your concerns. FMA members make these visits during Day on the Hill during the National Convention. Follow up with your Senators and Representative in his/her local office when they often have more time to focus on their constituents.
- Inform FMA leaders and staff of your concerns and suggestions. Feel free to write to us at gstanford@fedmanagers.org, or call our National Office at (703) 683-8700.