I'm truly disappointed in the removal of the FERS Sick Leave provision changes by the Senate. Guess I need to start calling in sick like some of those employees I can't rely on who keep a zero balance. You know, the ones that use it all up as fast as it hits the pay voucher, then want to request advance sick leave or leave without pay. Gee, I have a cough boss; feel a headache coming on..... Right, nice day to sit my well fed butt on the couch and watch TV or work in the garden.
Not that some employees don't have legit reasons, but every organization has some sub marginal employees with little value who would not last long on the civilian sector. Their long term goal is probably unemployment or relying on other social assistance programs. Better yet, let’s have them work for some Senator.
Get smart; approve the changes to FERS Sick Leave
or my response is sorry, I feel a cold coming on, might go home sick and use my 600 hours of sick leave, back in 3-4 months.
TSP Third Option
Retired DHS USCG Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:29 AM
When will the third option (A survivor benefit that would allow spouses of deceased TSP participants to maintain TSP accounts) become effective if the President signs this legislation?
Above article
HR Specialist OPM Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:50 AM
One unanswered question (among many) is whether the new legislation on permitting a TSP Roth IRA option will apply only - once put in place - to new contributions or if rollovers of existing TSP account balances to Roth IRAs will be an option. Fo estate planning purposes in particular, this will be an important issue for many TSP account holders.
Re: Above article
DOD DOD Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:05 AM
I'm speaking w/o authority here, but I think it is fairly safe to say that it would be new contribution....otherwise folks would have massive tax bills for their existing funds.
Re: Above article
Clown Around Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:50 PM
Roth is based on TAXED contributions. So IMHO I don't see rolling over the money you already put into TSP TAX FREE being allowed to roll over into Roth so you can take it out TAX FREE.
The Administration is going to try to tax you any way they can, and not let you off the hook twice.
Re: Above article
DoD Budget Analyst NAVY Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:52 AM
Clown Around - you are incorrect about Roths and the TSP. The TSP is a tax-deferred - meaning you'll pay taxes on your withdrawls at retirement. The Roth IRA or in this case Roth 401k - you pay taxes up front - aka - at your current level. It wouldn't make any sense to convert it if you've your earnings are pretty sizeable and you're older but if you're in your 20s/30s - this is a better option for people - especially now. Reason is that most TSP participants are down a fair amt in their accounts right now. If you convert over - you would have to pay taxes on all of it or if you convert a portion...whatever total amt you convert...you pay taxes on. So right now - your account is lower than it was probably 2 yrs ago...this is good if you want to convert. Then you won't have to pay taxes anymore on that money. Now go into the future 20 yrs...will we be at higher tax rates than what we are now? Chances are - YES. Mainly because of all this spending right now. SO the ROTH is good
So your sick? Go home....!
Federal Information Management Officer EPA Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:55 AM
I have 42 years of federal service and have to reluctantly weigh in on this discussion. I do not know if this side of the issue has been addressed earlier. As a senior manager I have had many occasions over the years where a CSRS employee has come to work sick and I have strongly encouraged them to go home. They have often responded that they don't feel that bad and they don't want to. They further explain that they are saving thier "sick" leave for retirement. As a consequence the following weeks have shown a significant negative impact on productivity, because, everyone else is out because they "are" sick. If we are going to look at the issue of FERS employees taking leave when they are not sick, then we damn well better look at the recourse we have for administrative action against the CSRS people who see retirement dollars as more imporetant than the health of their fellow employees and office productivity. As others have said, "Where's the balance?
Re: So your sick? Go home....!
Attorney DoD Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:14 AM
Well, I agree that if somebody is genuinely sick, they ought to go home -- and if you are their supervisor, you ought to be able to order them to do so.
However, a lot of us are simply blessed with good health. I don't have a doctor and I seem to need only a couple of days per year when I am genuinely sick, but if I'm not sick, I'm not taking sick leave. As a result, I have accumulated so far about 1500 hours of sick leave since 1991. Good health runs in my family - my father retired from the IRS after 25 years and he had over 2000 hours of sick leave. However, he was under CSRS, so he received credit. So, yeah, I get a little miffed that FERS gives me no credit for my own productivity and taking care of myself. As things stand, I might as well plan on back aches and severe head aches a lot of the time during my last year. It's not right, but if that's the way they want it . . .
Re: So your sick? Go home....!
ACF Specialist DHHS Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:07 AM
I do not abuse sick leave. I will assure you though as my time draws closer to retirement "last 5 years" I will evaluate how much sick leave I have and I will be more liberal on taking off when I have aches, pains, etc. I won't wait until the last year and try to be off 1/2 the year. I will spread it out in a way as to not affect productivity and to ensure I have good health going into retirement.
FERS Sick Leave
Regional Vice President Professional Aviation Safety Specialists Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:01 AM
Hopefully the FERS sick leave provision finds new life in another bill.
FERS SICK LEAVE
accountant Air Force Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:17 AM
Very disappointed this did not go forward with the tobacco bill.
Tobacco Bill-Part time annuity changes
Internal Revenue Agent Treasury IRS Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:31 AM
I would appreciate knowing if section 409, which recommended changes to the civil service annuity when an employee has part-time years of service was part of the bill that was approved. If it was, when will it be effective? Thank you
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
Supreme Mongo Bureau of Mongo Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:59 PM
As Gomer Pyle used to say. Is anyone really surprised that this bill didn't pass intact? Not me. What would make anyone in Fed employment think that a Democratic congress would do right by the employees? I use my sick leave when I have to, but still have plenty for an emergency. I need that "policy" as my health worsens working for Uncle Sam. I also suspect they'll all ow NSPS to continue on after this October 1st so they can continue to apply the screws to us. Oh well, less than a year and counting.
Re: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
specialist VA Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:31 AM
don't let the door hit you as you leave!
Ear Mark
Diversity Manager DOL Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:26 PM
This amendment had no business on this bill. If the feds want this than pass a clean bill
Re: Ear Mark
Aviation Safety Inspector FAA Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:12 AM
When was the last time any bill by either party was passed as a clean bill? Why should this be any different?
TSP
Meteorologist NOAA Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:01 PM
The TSP is a retirement scam...especially if it is taxed now with the expected tax increases. I plan to commit only the 5% for matching. Otherwise I plan to spend my money now before inflation hits. And I will spend it out of country in places it is worth more. This administation is no less corrupt. If you think otherwise then the wool is all over your eyes!!!
Re: TSP
worker Fed Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:21 PM
Unfortunately, the tax increases are necessary to cover the losses caused by the tax reductions for the wealthy during the Bush years. If you are middle class you should not see a tax increase. You might see a tax decrease although, given the economic nightmare caused by Bush, it is not likely.
If you are wealthy, then you will see an increase.
Mutual Funds Option
Avionics Tech Fort Belvoir Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:07 AM
I am curious to see what the mutual fund option will lead to. I don't trust the government to always do what is best for us. The more options we have the better. Even if the option is to invest in the private sector. Hopefully, we can have this option with the fund matching. However, I will not hold my breath.
FERS/SICK LEAVES
Medical Biller VA Hospital Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Sick leave should be uses without authorization so you can retire in good mental conditions, becuase the work place these days got you under alot of pressure.
TSP - New employees
MGT Analyst DHS Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:57 AM
Question -- Is there a retroactive provision or will employees hired in the six months prior to enactment have to wait out the whole six months before matching contributions ?
Spouses allowed to maintain TSP accounts
Environmental Scientist U.S. Department of Energy Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:01 PM
Regarding "Third, A survivor benefit that would allow spouses of deceased TSP participants to maintain TSP accounts", apparently we must continue to operate under the prior 60-day requirement for our spouses to transfer our TSP into their IRA.
FERS Sick Leave
Army
Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:14 AM
I'm truly disappointed in the removal of the FERS Sick Leave provision changes by the Senate. Guess I need to start calling in sick like some of those employees I can't rely on who keep a zero balance. You know, the ones that use it all up as fast as it hits the pay voucher, then want to request advance sick leave or leave without pay. Gee, I have a cough boss; feel a headache coming on..... Right, nice day to sit my well fed butt on the couch and watch TV or work in the garden.
Not that some employees don't have legit reasons, but every organization has some sub marginal employees with little value who would not last long on the civilian sector. Their long term goal is probably unemployment or relying on other social assistance programs. Better yet, let’s have them work for some Senator.
Get smart; approve the changes to FERS Sick Leave
or my response is sorry, I feel a cold coming on, might go home sick and use my 600 hours of sick leave, back in 3-4 months.
TSP Third Option
DHS USCG
Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:29 AM
When will the third option (A survivor benefit that would allow spouses of deceased TSP participants to maintain TSP accounts) become effective if the President signs this legislation?
Above article
OPM
Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:50 AM
One unanswered question (among many) is whether the new legislation on permitting a TSP Roth IRA option will apply only - once put in place - to new contributions or if rollovers of existing TSP account balances to Roth IRAs will be an option. Fo estate planning purposes in particular, this will be an important issue for many TSP account holders.
Re: Above article
DOD
Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:05 AM
Re: Above article
Around
Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:50 PM
The Administration is going to try to tax you any way they can, and not let you off the hook twice.
Re: Above article
NAVY
Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:52 AM
So your sick? Go home....!
EPA
Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:55 AM
I have 42 years of federal service and have to reluctantly weigh in on this discussion. I do not know if this side of the issue has been addressed earlier. As a senior manager I have had many occasions over the years where a CSRS employee has come to work sick and I have strongly encouraged them to go home. They have often responded that they don't feel that bad and they don't want to. They further explain that they are saving thier "sick" leave for retirement. As a consequence the following weeks have shown a significant negative impact on productivity, because, everyone else is out because they "are" sick. If we are going to look at the issue of FERS employees taking leave when they are not sick, then we damn well better look at the recourse we have for administrative action against the CSRS people who see retirement dollars as more imporetant than the health of their fellow employees and office productivity. As others have said, "Where's the balance?
Re: So your sick? Go home....!
DoD
Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:14 AM
However, a lot of us are simply blessed with good health. I don't have a doctor and I seem to need only a couple of days per year when I am genuinely sick, but if I'm not sick, I'm not taking sick leave. As a result, I have accumulated so far about 1500 hours of sick leave since 1991. Good health runs in my family - my father retired from the IRS after 25 years and he had over 2000 hours of sick leave. However, he was under CSRS, so he received credit. So, yeah, I get a little miffed that FERS gives me no credit for my own productivity and taking care of myself. As things stand, I might as well plan on back aches and severe head aches a lot of the time during my last year. It's not right, but if that's the way they want it . . .
Re: So your sick? Go home....!
DHHS
Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:07 AM
FERS Sick Leave
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:01 AM
Hopefully the FERS sick leave provision finds new life in another bill.
FERS SICK LEAVE
Air Force
Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:17 AM
Very disappointed this did not go forward with the tobacco bill.
Tobacco Bill-Part time annuity changes
Treasury IRS
Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:31 AM
I would appreciate knowing if section 409, which recommended changes to the civil service annuity when an employee has part-time years of service was part of the bill that was approved. If it was, when will it be effective? Thank you
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
Bureau of Mongo
Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:59 PM
As Gomer Pyle used to say. Is anyone really surprised that this bill didn't pass intact? Not me. What would make anyone in Fed employment think that a Democratic congress would do right by the employees? I use my sick leave when I have to, but still have plenty for an emergency. I need that "policy" as my health worsens working for Uncle Sam. I also suspect they'll all ow NSPS to continue on after this October 1st so they can continue to apply the screws to us. Oh well, less than a year and counting.
Re: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
VA
Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:31 AM
Ear Mark
DOL
Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:26 PM
This amendment had no business on this bill. If the feds want this than pass a clean bill
Re: Ear Mark
FAA
Tue Jun 16, 2009 6:12 AM
TSP
NOAA
Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:01 PM
The TSP is a retirement scam...especially if it is taxed now with the expected tax increases. I plan to commit only the 5% for matching. Otherwise I plan to spend my money now before inflation hits. And I will spend it out of country in places it is worth more. This administation is no less corrupt. If you think otherwise then the wool is all over your eyes!!!
Re: TSP
Fed
Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:21 PM
If you are wealthy, then you will see an increase.
Mutual Funds Option
Fort Belvoir
Wed Jun 17, 2009 5:07 AM
I am curious to see what the mutual fund option will lead to. I don't trust the government to always do what is best for us. The more options we have the better. Even if the option is to invest in the private sector. Hopefully, we can have this option with the fund matching. However, I will not hold my breath.
FERS/SICK LEAVES
VA Hospital
Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:10 AM
Sick leave should be uses without authorization so you can retire in good mental conditions, becuase the work place these days got you under alot of pressure.
TSP - New employees
DHS
Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:57 AM
Question -- Is there a retroactive provision or will employees hired in the six months prior to enactment have to wait out the whole six months before matching contributions ?
Spouses allowed to maintain TSP accounts
U.S. Department of Energy
Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:01 PM
Regarding "Third, A survivor benefit that would allow spouses of deceased TSP participants to maintain TSP accounts", apparently we must continue to operate under the prior 60-day requirement for our spouses to transfer our TSP into their IRA.