TOPICS
TOPICS
Federal pay and benefits provisions missing from Senate bill
The Senate fiscal 2010 Defense authorization bill does not contain some of the federal pay and benefits provisions that the House approved last week in its version of the legislation.
The House approved measures that would allow workers under the Federal Employees Retirement System to count unused sick leave toward their retirement annuities and move employees outside the continental United States into the locality pay system, among other provisions.
The Senate does not include those measures, but they could make their way in during floor debate when the chamber reconvenes after the July 4 holiday.
The House also included a provision that would force the Pentagon to demonstrate whether its pay-for-performance system could be reformed, or else dismantle it within one year. The Senate has included similar language in its version.
Separately, House lawmakers also approved a 3.4 percent pay raise for military members as part of the authorization bill. That figure is 0.5 percentage points higher than the 2.9 percent 2010 pay hike President Obama requested for the military in his February budget proposal. The Senate Armed Services Committee also included a 3.4 pay raise for military members in its version of the DoD authorization bill.
One provision that didn't make it into either bill was one that would allow retirees to return to the government on a part-time basis without taking a cut in their retirement benefits. It has been strongly supported by the Federal Managers Association and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, but has been met with opposition from labor unions such as the American Federation of Government Employees.
Supporters hope it would be included in the final version of the Defense authorization bill that is hammered out in conference committee.
The office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said it's not clear whether the chamber will vote on bill amendments offered from the floor.
COMMENTS
- It appears the Senate is more concerned about giving people a lot of money for their clunkers than they are about the FERS employees who would like a little extra in their retirement plan. Where is the priority here? Is it more important to remove gas guzzlers from the highway than it is to do something meaningful for loyal federal workers? It would probably be cheaper to allow us FERS employees to get credit for our unsused sick leave, don't you think? We're never going to eliminate gas guzzlers from the highways, so put your money to help those who have earned a little extra in their retirement check. RD Posted July 31, 2009 11:59 AM
- Too many folks yapping about inequity between FERS and CSRS. Both have things the other doesn't. CSRSers want matching TSP contributions which really would add up to big bucks. FERSites think they are getting screwed because they don't get credit for unused sick leave. The potential amount to be gained for the latter, whether cashed out or added to the retirement computation, is no where near the amount that could be realized from TSP matching contributions. It is easy to look over the fence and declare the other guy's grass greener and sweeter to eat. But first, do the analysis and look at the bigger picture. You'll feel less like a victim and appreciate the things you have. civil dale Posted July 14, 2009 7:56 AM
- I am with Mary Farr - does not seem right that if I died my husband could still collect his SSN benefits and my CSRS but if he dies before me and I retire I cannot collect his SSN. Where is the fairness in this. Does not make sense that I could collect his while I work but if I retire I can't. Also, should not reward people who have children with parental pay just because they have a child or adopt one! Can't see much equality any more for anything. Too many rights groups and people who think they should get something for nothing Cindy Eelbode Posted July 8, 2009 9:30 AM
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