Route Fifty
When State and Local Governments Can Expect to Receive Stimulus Funds
The Treasury Department is still working on guidance that will better inform states of how they can use the money. But aid for cities and counties must be distributed within 60 days of the law’s passage.
Nextgov
Survey: Nearly 1 in 4 Consumers Distrust Government COVID Data
The survey also showed significant levels of distrust in some emerging technologies.
Nextgov
At South by Southwest, DOT’s ‘Secretary Pete’ Points To Federal IT Priorities
He’d like to help make the 2020s ‘a turning point in the story of American transportation.’
Management
Employee ‘Resistance’ Wasn’t Just a Trump Phenomenon
Embracing change during government transitions is hard for many employees. But there are ways leaders can help.
Workforce
In 'Landmark' Ruling, Court Raises Threshold for Firing Feds
Agencies must do more to prove feds were actually performing poorly, court says in precedent-setting decision.
Management
NIH is Documenting COVID-19 as Well as Responding to It
"It’s weird to be documenting something that you’re living through," said an archivist.
Nextgov
VA Electronic Health Records Program Delayed Up to 12 Weeks For ‘Strategic Review’
House committee leadership plans to hold a hearing in April on the program and strategic review process.
Management
The Business Case for Investing in Human Capital Management
The payoff will be improved agency performance—and the gains could be significant.
Management
4 Reasons No President Should Want to Give a Press Conference
While democracy requires accountability from presidents, presidents may lose stature, not gain it, by holding a press conference.
Oversight
CDC Stats on COVID-19 Deaths Obscure Structural Racism
The CDC controls for geography in its statistics about racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 deaths. Researchers say that's a problem.
Route Fifty
Republican State Officials Bristle Over Tax Cut Prohibition in Covid Relief Bill
Ohio’s Attorney General has sued the Biden administration over the provision, which is embedded in the $350 billion direct aid program for states and localities. A coalition of 21 other AGs are asking for more guidance on the mandate.
Management
Less Than Half of Federal Bureau of Prisons Staff Have Accepted COVID Vaccines From the Agency
Director encourages employees to get vaccinated, tells lawmakers 49% have been inoculated by the bureau so far.
Management
Democrats Push to Grant VA Medical Professionals Full Union Rights
Federal law currently prevents Veterans Affairs Department medical workers from bargaining over matters related to patient care and clinical competence, although much is at the discretion of the VA secretary.
Pay & Benefits
You Have More Time to File Your Taxes. Here’s How Not To Pay Too Much
Many federal retirees overpay because they aren’t aware of the rules about taxation of their benefits.
Management
Dozens of Lawmakers Call on Biden to Replace Entire USPS Board
Biden has nominated individuals to fill three vacancies, but House members say board must start from scratch.
Management
Managers: It's Time to Bring Back 'Show and Tell'
How you can connect your remote team through personal knowledge.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: IRS Delays Tax Season Deadline; Lawmaker Seeks Information on Benefits Delay for Federal Retirees
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Nextgov
FAA Delays Drone Remote ID Tracking, ‘Operations Over People’ Rules
Compliance deadlines for manufacturers and operators have also been pushed out.
Defense
Key Official: Defense Information Operations ‘Not Evolving Fast Enough’
China will soon harness AI to supplant Russia as the world leader in information warfare, a DIA leader said.
Oversight