10 Questions You Need Answers To
The author offers ten questions you need to keep in mind for your financial situation as you near retirement from your federal career.
Federal Workforce News
Stay updated with breaking news and major events affecting federal employees, including government shutdowns, office closures, emergency announcements, legislative developments, and nationwide issues impacting federal agencies and the federal workforce.
OPM Removes Prohibition on Sex Change Coverage Under FEHB
OPM has removed the prohibition on federal employee health insurance for providing for sex change operations and “transition care” for someone who has undertaken this process.
Comments, Trolls and Communicating in the Internet Age
The Internet era has fostered new methods of communication in our daily lives. While these carry many advantages, there can be downsides as well. And with new ways to communicate come new terms, such as “troll.” What is a troll? How do you respond to a person you think might be one? And how does all of this come into play with how FedSmith monitors the comments left by users on its website?
Hatch Calls for End to Taxpayer Funded Unions at VA and IRS
As the controversy at VA continues to make waves in the media, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) made a speech on the Senate floor in which he called for an end to taxpayer funded unionization of federal employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Internal Revenue Service.
Legislation Proposes Social Security Enhancements
Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have introduced legislation designed to strengthen the Social Security program in several ways.
Majority of FedSmith.com Users Would Be Happy With a 3.3% Pay Raise
We asked and you spoke: The majority of FedSmith.com users say a 3.3% pay increase for 2015 would be fair.
AFGE ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ on VA Bill
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) expressed cautious optimism about recently announced legislation aimed at improving staffing and addressing wait times at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.
FedSmith.com Users Overwhelmingly Reject Use of Private Tax Collectors
Should the IRS be using private tax collection firms? FedSmith.com users resoundingly said “no” in a recent survey.
Bill Would Allow Veterans to Sue VA Employees
Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) has introduced legislation that would allow veterans to sue VA employees who falsified or destroyed health records and would also make it easier for the VA to fire employees for falsifying or destroying records.
Inspector General Investigations and Unions
The FLRA concluded a union proposal to allow bargaining on restricting IG investigations was proper. In overruling the FLRA, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals concluded a similar decision on this issue issued in 1994 was still correct.
