Management

Defense Spending Bill Calls for 1.8 Percent Pay Raise for Troops

House panel begins work Friday on the fiscal 2015 appropriations bill.

Nextgov

The Link Between STEM Training and Civil Rights

Sixty years after a landmark Supreme Court decision, education in the United States remains separate and unequal for many.

Oversight

A Running List of Everyone Who Wants VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to 'Move On'

Both Republicans and Democrats have expressed their disapproval.

Management

We Might Have Learned About the VA Scandal Sooner

The Obama administration has cracked down on whistleblowers.

Nextgov

Should You Need a License to Practice Cybersecurity?

The government should sponsor a national body to ensure cyber professionals are qualified for their jobs, a military expert says.

Management

VA Official: There Are No Secret Waiting Lists

While admitting problems, a Veteran Affairs official tells a House committee that Phoenix officials were just trying to improve access to care.

Management

National Park Service Will Start Promoting Historic LGBT Sites

Panel of 18 scholars will recommend places.

Industry Insights

Unifying Government Communications with Video

New methods of technology procurement can help federal agencies obtain tools that can enhance collaboration and empower users.

Management

3 Must-Do’s for Leading Through Change

When restructuring gets tough, real managers don’t run and hide.

Benefits

Bill would let patients sue VA employees

Another lawmaker has taken aim at the Department of Veterans Affairs, this time with legislation that would let VA patients sue VA employees.

Employee Policy

Postmaster RIF date postponed

Postmaster organizations were notified that the effective date for a planned reduction-in-force for postmasters has been postponed until Jan. 10, 2015. The RIF is part of POStPlan—the U.S. Postal Service's plan to restructure the organization.

Benefits

Shinseki orders care for vets left off Phoenix waiting list

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said he has ordered the Phoenix VA Health Care System to immediately triage for care 1,700 veterans who VA's Office of Inspector General found were waiting for a primary care appointment but were not on the facility's waiting list.

Nextgov

VA’s Convoluted Patient Scheduling Starts with a ‘Helpline’ Call

Data collected on one computer was printed out for re-entry into another system, often months later.

Nextgov

Sexual Harassment and Bullying at VA Phoenix Medical Facilities?

IG investigating complaints.

Pay & Benefits

A Special Sick Leave Bank for Disabled Vets?

Proposal would help new feds who are disabled veterans attend mandatory medical appointments without burning up sick leave.

Management

Senator Wants to Make It Easier to Sue VA Employees, Take Their Money

Republican’s proposal also would remove red tape from firing workers involved in latest scandal.

Management

The Burning Leadership Question: Are You a Flame or an Ember?

It may not be flashy, but moral character trumps charisma.

Management

Census Faces Pressure from Both Chambers of Congress and Both Political Parties

House may vote this week to make mandatory community survey voluntary.

Nextgov

Federal IT Reform Could Mean Bonuses for Procurement Staff

House-approved FITARA includes "monetary incentives" that aren’t in the Senate bill.

Management

Inspector General Confirms Vets Waited 115 Days for Care in Phoenix

Report confirms long waiting times for 1,700 veterans there and says the problem is nationwide.