Bridges to Nowhere, Cheese, and Video Games: Coburn’s 2011 Wasteful Government Spending Report
Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) has released a report outlining 100 projects and items on which he believes the government has wasted taxpayers dollars in 2011.
Year: 2011
White House: Yes, There’s Still a Pay Freeze
President Obama issued an executive order Monday outlining the pay rates for various federal salary schedules for 2012. The executive order is issued annually to set pay rates, and, not surprisingly, there is no change from 2011 for most federal employees since the pay freeze is still in effect.
Federal Employee Pay Freeze on Tap or Not?
Watching the twists and turns of proposed legislation to cut taxes for some Americans gets confusing. The Senate passed a bill but it wasn’t the same bill that the House had passed. Some thought that a two-month extension put a temporary end to the controversy. That prediction was, perhaps, made too early to be true.
Why Does it Take So Long to Process Federal Employee Retirement Applications?
Why does it take so long for federal employees to get their retirement benefits? Perhaps it is the fault of the employees and the agency benefit specialists that assist in preparing the applications for retirement. OPM is offering training to improve their job performance.
Legislation Would Cut Federal Workforce to Avoid Defense Cuts
Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) has introduced legislation that would cut the federal workforce by 10% to pay for mandated sequestration cuts in FY 2013.
Estimates of Benefits Changes in 2012
OPM has not yet released official numbers for costs in benefits changes for 2012 that would be affected by the recent COLA. The author offers his best estimates as to how the cost of the FERS basic death benefit and children’s survivor benefits are likely to change next year.
Time to Kill Congressional Pensions and Cut Pay
Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) argues that Congress must lead the American people by example, and that means cutting back on Congressional pensions and pay.
Veteran Hires Highest in 20 Years
According to a statement from OPM, in FY 2011 the federal government hired the highest percentage of veterans in over 20 years.
House Passes Pay Freeze Bill
The House passed the payroll tax cut bill Tuesday night in a 234-193 vote. The bill contains a provision that would extend the current pay freeze on civilian federal employees for another year.
Postal Service Must Be Allowed to Run Like a Business to Survive
The author says that in order to survive, the Postal Service must be allowed to be run as a business that must compete for its customers.
