Practice Makes Perfect
This is yet another case where a retired employee’s failure to designate his wife-in this case his fifth-to receive a survivor’s annuity means she gets nothing.
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.
FedSmith.com Users Favor Inclusion of Obesity Drugs in FEHB
The Office of Personnel Management recently announced it was not permissible for insurance carriers to exclude obesity drugs under FEHB on the basis that obesity is a lifestyle condition. We asked our users what their thoughts were about this and the majority of responses indicate that the prospect of having coverage for obesity drugs would be a welcome change.
Comparing Salaries for Men and Women in Government
OPM has issued a report on gender pay equality in the government based on a requirement imposed on the agency by the president. Here is a summary of the report. The result: More women are in professional positions than there used to be and the gender pay gap has gone down significantly.
House Passes Ryan Budget
The House has passed the budget proposal put forth by House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI).
OPM Reduces Retirement Backlog
The Office of Personnel Management was able to make a sizable reduction in the number of backlogged retirement claims last month, the first reduction seen in the backlog so far in 2014.
What Signal Does Your Writing Send?
Always think of your written work as your virtual stand-ins. What do those stand-ins say about you?
Stocks Up Slightly in March for Most TSP Funds
After the end of the first quarter, all of the TSP funds show a positive return for the year-to-date.
Supreme Court Backs Federal Circuit Over MSPB on Position Sensitivity Cases
In denying a hearing on the matter (certiorari), the Supreme Court backed the Federal Circuit in setting limits on the MSPB’s jurisdiction to hear appeals of removals or other actions taken by an Agency when an employee loses the ability to hold a “sensitive” government job. As the author points out, many more Federal employees hold positions with a sensitive rating than do those with security clearances.
Congressmen Want to See Updated Official Time Report from OPM
Two Congressmen recently sent a letter to Katherine Archuleta, the director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), asking for a current official time report to show how many hours federal workers spent on union business.
What Does the Merit Systems Protection Board Have in Common with Federal Health Care Enrollment?
A balky website for filing appeals with the MSPB is turned aside as an excuse for missing the filing deadline by both the Board and the appeals court. The employee is therefore out of luck in trying to challenge her removal.
