Route Fifty
Lawmakers Call for Federal Program to Upgrade Unemployment Systems
Many people filing for unemployment during the pandemic have experienced long delays. Subpar technology is one of the factors commonly blamed for problems.
Management
How to Address the Question Every Program Manager Should Answer: Does It Work?
In one of his first actions, President Biden encouraged agency heads to support “evidence-building plans,” more commonly called “learning agendas.” Here’s the back story.
Pay & Benefits
Spouses and Annuities: A Closer Look
Avoiding potential confusion about survivor benefits.
Workforce
What Does ‘Reopening Schools’ Mean? Here’s What the Biden Administration Has Said.
The president’s powers to reopen schools during the pandemic are limited, but Biden has said it is a priority.
Defense
One-Third of US Troops Are Refusing the COVID Vaccine. History May Help Explain Why
After botching anthrax shots decades ago, the Pentagon’s hands are tied. Only the president can order troops to take new vaccines.
Management
‘Indian Country’ Is Excited about the First Native American Secretary of the Interior – and the Promise She Has for Addressing Issues of Importance to All Americans
If confirmed, Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico would be the first Native American to run the agency that interacts with tribal nations. But her agenda extends far beyond Indian Country.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: What Feds Need to Know About Tax Season
Dallen Haws joins the podcast to discuss public servants' options for the upcoming filing season.
Route Fifty
A Pennsylvania County Goes Hydro With its Government Buildings
Allegheny County will power its facilities with hydroelectric power under a 35-year agreement with a planned plant on a nearby river.
Management
How USPS Came to Overstate Its Pandemic Fallout
The pandemic's impact on the Postal Service has not been nearly as dramatic as the agency once feared.
Management
Senator: Pandemic Makes Anti-Fraud Law More Important Than Ever
The Justice Department, Congress and whistleblowers must “remain very vigilant” due to the trillions of dollars spent in pandemic relief, said the senator.
Pay & Benefits
OPM Implements Recent Pay and Benefits Changes
Acting OPM Director Kathleen McGettigan highlighted changes related to paid leave, premium pay, allowances related to military service and more.
Nextgov
White House Plans Executive Action in Response to Hack Involving SolarWinds
The official leading the effort said changes are necessary to allow information sharing within the federal government.
Workforce
Biden Task Force Says Unmasked Feds Should Face Discipline, Calls for Bonus Leave
A task force on federal employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic has issued its first set of guidelines.
Defense
New Plane Key to Special Ops Vision for Africa, General Says
Air Force Special Operations Command is planning flight demonstrations in coming months.
Management
Organizing for Recovery
The Biden administration’s rescue plan for the nation presents extraordinary challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities. Coordination at every level of government will be needed.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Winter Storms Hamper Vaccine Shipments; an Update on Efforts to Combat Mask Fraud
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Workforce
Prominent Scientists Call on CDC to Better Protect Workers From COVID-19
The academics insist that more workers should get top-rated N95 masks, the best defense against airborne coronavirus particles.
Nextgov
Consumer Product Safety Commission Employees Want to Telework at Least Twice Per Week Post-Pandemic
Commission staff and leadership report higher productivity during mass telework and more benefits than drawbacks.
Management
1918 Pandemic Provides Warning about COVID-19’s Future
Even if we start to see a decrease in COVID cases, a study of the 1918 influenza pandemic suggests a spike could occur in late 2021 or early 2022.
Workforce