Workforce
Bipartisan bill would let VA medical employees grieve compensation mistakes
Unlike most federal workers, medical professionals at the Veterans Affairs Department are unable to negotiate over compensation adjustments like payroll errors.
Workforce
VA is putting veterans at risk by improperly screening employees, watchdogs warn
The department does not have a good explanation for why the shortfalls occurred, officials say.
Management
VA creates new monitoring system after glitch affects more than 120,000 veterans’ claims
Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said they’re creating a new system to notify officials “within 24 hours” of any issues affecting electronically filed claims.
Pay & Benefits
Public-sector workers report taking fewer and fewer vacation days
Not being able to unplug from work leads to burnout and poor performance, one expert reminds us.
Sponsor Content
Modernizing Mission Delivery
Current trends transforming the public sector for better citizen outcomes.
Workforce
A new rule may help land management temps get permanent federal gigs
The Office of Personnel Management is set to publish final regulations establishing a pathway for current and former temporary workers at land management agencies to apply for permanent posts through merit promotions procedures.
Management
Mail delays spike during USPS' busiest season
The Postal Service is delivering mail on time at its lowest rate since mid-2021.
Management
Students and advocates ‘frustrated’ with the Biden administration’s slow response to finalize Title IX changes
House Democrats have urged the Education Department to act on policy protections for LGBTQ+ students and student sexual assault survivors.
Sponsor Content
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence - Transforming the U.S. Government
ATARC, with Palo Alto Networks, hosted a roundtable of federal experts to discuss the complex challenges AI brings.
Tech
Could the feds withhold broadband funding to some states?
Several states appear unwilling to change laws on their books that are at odds with a requirement in the 2021 infrastructure law.
FEATURED INSIGHTS
Defense
Tuberville says he'll drop his hold on most military promotions
Alabama senator says he will keep the brakes on some of the most senior officers’ nominations.
Workforce
OPM launches a cyber rotational program for feds
The new rotational program is an outgrowth of 2022 legislation backed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Workforce
From holiday parties to gifts, ethics czar warns feds to stay cautious during holiday season
Be careful before accepting that glass of wine at your next holiday party.
TSP TICKER
FUND
G
F
C
S
I
DEC 05 CLOSE
$17.9052
$18.7502
$71.1348
$71.1555
$38.0914
DAILY CHANGE
0.0022
0.1075
-0.0375
-0.8397
-0.1090
THIS MONTH (%)
0.06
1.17
-0.00
1.94
-0.10
FUND
L 2060
L 2050
L 2040
L 2030
L INCOME
DEC 05 CLOSE
$14.3502
$29.2533
$49.1853
$43.7167
$24.4885
DAILY CHANGE
-0.0408
-0.0562
-0.0790
-0.0572
-0.0071
THIS MONTH (%)
0.24
0.29
0.26
0.23
0.16
FUND
DEC 05
CLOSE
CLOSE
DAILY
CHANGE
CHANGE
THIS
MONTH
MONTH
G
$17.9052
0.0022
0.06
F
$18.7502
0.1075
1.17
C
$71.1348
-0.0375
-0.00
S
$71.1555
-0.8397
1.94
I
$38.0914
-0.1090
-0.10
L 2050
$29.2533
-0.0562
0.29
L 2040
$49.1853
-0.0790
0.26
L 2030
$43.7167
-0.0572
0.23
L 2020
$None
None
L INCOME
$24.4885
-0.0071
0.16
Management
OPM unveils its latest tool to accelerate the federal hiring process
The federal government’s HR agency added new functionality to USAJOBS to allow agencies to find candidates who had already been certified for federal employment elsewhere in government.
Management
USPS paid for unused air mail transport due to incorrect forecasts, OIG says
The Postal Service didn’t accurately plan the weight capacity of its operations with one air transport supplier, according to a new report, often paying shipping costs for unused capacity on flights.
Tech
USDA unveils its new data strategy
The Agriculture Department’s new guidance builds on previous agency plans, and looks to improve data sharing and incorporate artificial intelligence into analytics operations.
Pay & Benefits
Last-minute Open Season advice
Tips and tools to help you with decision-making before the window closes for the year.
News
Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman Supreme Court justice, dies at 93
The Reagan appointee co-wrote a key decision reaffirming Roe v. Wade in 1992, establishing that states couldn’t impose an 'undue burden' on anyone seeking an abortion before fetal viability.
Workforce
Guidance spells out when and how feds can discuss the Israel-Hamas war
Federal employees face some restrictions, but can discuss their opinions on the conflict at the office without violating the law.
Pay & Benefits
TSP portfolios rebounded in November
After three straight months where nearly every fund in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program lost value, all funds finished last month in the black.
Management
State workers fear federal grants won’t reach many disadvantaged communities
Amid historic federal investment in climate and environmental initiatives, employees tasked with distributing federal grants say they are overwhelmed and don’t have the bandwidth to ensure underresourced communities get the help they need.
Tech
SSA restructures its tech shop to center on the CIO
Be on the lookout for a vacancy announcement for the SSA CIO position.
Workforce
Senate takes first steps to refill federal workforce watchdog roles
At the civil service appeals agency, parts of the workforce are voicing frustration with current leadership.
Pay & Benefits
Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?
Medicare Advantage options have only been offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program carriers since 2021 and may provide benefits that are not covered under traditional Medicare.
Oversight