Employee Policy

The Biden admin. wants to expand broadband and job access for women, people of color

The government is investing $65 billion into expansion programs, including nearly two-thirds of that spending directed to equity efforts.

Employee Policy

Sens. Feinstein and Kaine: Congress must act to protect federal workers

The legislators argue that Congress needs to pass legislation that would prevent future presidents from replacing career, nonpartisan federal employees with political appointees. 

Benefits

Education Dept. issues more rules to simplify Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Rules set to take effect next July expand which past loan repayments will apply for the program as well as simplify the employment certification process for some applicants.

Management

Feds to Colorado River States: Reduce Water Usage, or We Will Do It for You

The Interior Department outlined a path for unilateral cuts last week, upping the pressure on western states.

Employee Policy

Two Democrats have spelled out exactly how they want agencies to improve services

A pair of House lawmakers wants agencies to allow Americans to spend less time on the phone and filling out paperwork when dealing with government.

Tech

Enough With The Weak Passwords, Already

The most common passwords on the dark web are those users have been repeatedly warned away from. Can training help?

Management

Churches Are Breaking the Law by Endorsing in Elections, Experts Say. The IRS Looks the Other Way.

For nearly 70 years, federal law has barred churches from directly involving themselves in political campaigns, but the IRS has largely abdicated its enforcement responsibilities as churches have become more brazen about publicly backing candidates.

Workforce

GovExec Daily: Student Loan Forgiveness and Customer Service

Georgetown University’s Pamela Herd and Donald Moynihan join the podcast to discuss the lack of administrative burdens in the new Education Department application.

Defense

‘I Can Go Anywhere’: How Service Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD

The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act means more veterans with symptoms of traumatic stress can get specially trained service dogs.

Oversight

Man Who Attacked Speaker Pelosi’s Husband Wanted to Break ‘Her Kneecaps,’ Justice Department Says

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s complaint and affidavit into the alleged crime revealed new insight into the attack that took place in the early morning hours Friday.

Management

Two Democrats Have Spelled Out Exactly How They Want Agencies to Improve Services

A pair of House lawmakers wants agencies to allow Americans to spend less time on the phone and filling out paperwork when dealing with government.

Benefits

Employers: Growing concern about covering workers’ mental health needs

Nearly half of large employers say growing numbers of workers were using mental health services, in a KFF annual employer survey. Problem: About one-third also report their health plan’s network didn’t have enough behavioral health care providers get employees the timely care they need.

Employee Policy

EPA workers file suit over remote work policies

EPA employees in the agency's largest region allege their remote work requests have been unfairly denied.

Pay & Benefits

Education Department Issues More Rules to Simplify Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Rules set to take effect next July expand which past loan repayments will apply for the program as well as simplify the employment certification process for some applicants.

Pay

Fed advocates and scholars are urging Congress to enact anti-Schedule F legislation

The window to pass a bill preventing presidents from unilaterally creating new job classifications will close at the end of the year—and good government and fed advocates warn of grave consequences for inaction.

Nextgov

White House Kicks Off Second International Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit

The gathering, featuring a total of 36 countries, will focus on preventing large scale cyber attacks and money laundering via digital currencies.