Pay & Benefits
3.2% Federal Pay Raise Bill Appears in Senate
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty
Biden Criticizes ‘Neanderthal Thinking’ as Two Governors Roll Back Mask Mandates
The Republican governors of Texas and Mississippi this week announced plans to ease public health restrictions, prompting the rebuke from the president.
Nextgov
CIOs’ Wishlist for New Congress and Administration IT Leadership
Three department IT leaders share their top asks from the new Congress and yet-to-be-appointed federal CIO.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Watchdogs Suggest Improvements for IRS and OSHA’s Pandemic Operations
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Pay & Benefits
Biden Administration Brings Back Presidential Rank Awards
The Office of Personnel Management is fielding nominations for the annual awards for senior federal workers, after last year’s iteration of the program was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Workforce
When Your Chance for a COVID-19 Shot Comes, Don’t Worry About the Numbers
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine that the FDA cleared Saturday was 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe covid, while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were more than 90% effective. But the numbers aren’t exactly comparable. And all three shots prevent hospitalization and death.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: The Future of Safe In-Office Work
Drs. Brittany Busse and Anthony Harris join the podcast to discuss what "normal" work looks like when the country gets back to normal.
Management
Neera Tanden Withdraws Nomination for OMB Director
This comes after senators raised concerns about her partisan history and mean tweets.
Route Fifty
Covid Infections Fall Steeply in Nursing Homes Since Vaccine Rollout
Since December, infection and death rates among residents and workers in long-term care facilities have significantly declined and fewer health care workers are refusing vaccines.
Workforce
Thousands of Federal Employees Are Deploying to Support Vaccination Efforts
Workers at several agencies are assisting in the initiative.
Nextgov
Lawmaker to Reintroduce Net Neutrality Legislation Within Weeks
Supporters say giving the Federal Communications Commission greater authority over internet service providers is more important in the wake of the pandemic.
Oversight
GAO: Federal Human Capital Management has Regressed Over Last Two Years
The government watchdog agency faulted a lack of leadership at OPM for the failure to address gaps in critical skills and other federal workforce issues.
Management
OMB No. 2 Nominee Pledges to Restore Morale in the Federal Workforce
"Often in these budget deals that come up, one of the main losers are federal workers," said Shalanda Young.
Route Fifty
The States Where Driving Was Up and Down the Most After Covid Hit
A new report shows wide variation between states when it comes to how often people got behind the wheel after March of last year.
Management
Addressing Federal Workforce Problems Should be a Top Priority for Biden
Kiran Ahuja has her work cut out for her at the Office of Personnel Management.
Oversight
Americans Agree on the Need for More COVID-19 Relief
While Republicans and Democrats agree on relief for the pandemic, Americans are split on issues around the 2020 election and President Trump's impeachment.
Management
4 Causes of ‘Zoom Fatigue’ and What You Can Do about It
Video chat platforms have design flaws that exhaust the human mind and body, leading to "Zoom fatigue." But there are easy ways to mitigate the effects.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: What the Postal Board Changes Mean for DeJoy
Eric Katz joins the podcast to discuss news about the Postal Service and the future of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.
Route Fifty
House to Vote on Elections Bill That Would Set New Standards For States
Supporters say the legislation will protect voter access. Republican officials argue that it will encroach on states’ rights.
Route Fifty