Pay & Benefits
The Best of 2013
What were the most popular articles on FedSmith.com in 2013? The end of the pay freeze, vacation discounts for federal employees, and the government shutdown are some of…
3,106 Articles by Ian Smith
Agency News
Wastebook 2013: Examples of ‘Government Mismanagement and Stupidity’
Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) has released his annual wastebook report, a compilation of what he believes to be some of the most egregious examples of wasteful spending at…
Federal Workforce News
VA Claims Backlog Falls But More Work Ahead
The Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced a disability claims backlog but more work remains to be done, according to recent testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans'…
Federal Workforce News
Retirement Backlog Stays Flat in November
The backlog of outstanding retirement claims at OPM saw almost no reduction in November.
Federal Workforce News
Bill Would Create ‘Socially Responsible’ TSP Fund
Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would direct the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to set up a "socially responsible" investment option within the TSP.
Pay & Benefits
Legislation Would Provide Pay Parity for Hourly and Salaried Federal Employees
Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) has introduced legislation that would ensure that the percentage increase in rates of basic pay for Wage Grade (WG), or hourly, employees is equivalent…
Federal Workforce News
FedSmith.com Users Facing Higher Health Care Costs in 2014
According to the results of our latest survey, the overwhelming majority of FedSmith.com users are facing higher costs for their health care plans next year.
Federal Workforce News
FedSmith.com Users Say ‘No’ to Arming TSA Agents
Results from a recent poll indicate that FedSmith.com users overwhelmingly oppose the idea of arming TSA agents at airports and public transportation facilities.
Pay & Benefits
CBO Deficit Reduction Proposals Would Impact Federal Employees
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office makes a myriad of proposals designed to help put a dent in the growing federal debt, some of which would…
Federal Workforce News
Senators Propose to End Defined Benefit Pensions for New Federal Employees
Three Senators have reintroduced legislation that would end the defined benefit pension portion of the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) for new federal government hires.