Route Fifty
Michigan Mulls Eliminating License Plate Registration Tags
The proposal would save the state roughly $500,000 in postage and printing costs, but the measure might require expensive technology investments.
Defense
DoD Explains How Contractors Will Get Reimbursed for COVID Expenses — If Congress Cuts a Check
Ellen Lord says the bill would come to $10 billion to $20 billion.
Management
Viewpoint: Diversity Training Isn’t ‘Anti-American Propaganda’; Trump’s Directive Is
The administration’s mandate to end such training could be summed up as “Don’t ask white people to think about race.”
Management
Americans Are Renouncing U.S. Citizenship in Record Numbers – but Maybe not for the Reasons You Think
Some 10,000 people are likely to give up their U.S. passport this year, way above average. Are they fleeing COVID-19? Nasty politics? Taxes? None of the above, says an expert on American citizenship.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: The Challenge of Balancing Evidence and Bold Action
MDRC's Dan Bloom joins the podcast to discuss how government can combine data-building and taking action.
Management
OPM Nominee Pledges ‘Nonpartisan’ Governance Despite Anti-Islam, Conspiracy Theorist Views
John Gibbs did not apologize for tweets disparaging Muslims or accusing leaders of the Democratic party of engaging in satanic rituals, but said he would not tolerate discrimination if confirmed.
Route Fifty
Key States Face Poll Worker Shortages, Congressional Report Warns
A report by Democrats on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis analyzed the election preparations of four states and warned that a failure to recruit enough poll workers will lead to long wait times on Election Day.
Nextgov
GAO Issues Definitive List of Most Important Federal IT Acquisitions
The Government Accountability Office scored more than 100 federal IT projects and offered detailed breakdowns of the most “essential mission-critical IT acquisitions.”
Route Fifty
Poll: Over Half of Households in America's Biggest Cities Dealing With Financial Difficulties
Budget problems, which have coincided with the coronavirus pandemic, are especially acute for Black and Latino residents.
Workforce
Help Us Find the Government’s Boldest Innovators
Nominations are open for BOLD Gov 2020, a showcase for federal innovation.
Management
New Bill Would Create a Conservation Job Corps Run By Interior and USDA
It would also create a multi-agency council to oversee the $55.8 billion program.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Make Last Ditch Push for Payroll Tax Deferral Opt-Out
Despite efforts, it appears unlikely the administration will reverse course on forcing federal workers to temporarily skip paying taxes that go toward Social Security.
Management
Amid Firestorm, USPS Launches TV and Direct Mail Campaign to Assuage Concerns About Mail-In Voting
Postal Service will seek to reach all voters through a variety of media.
Nextgov
Pentagon Acquisition Chief Hints Section 889 Supply Chain Waiver May Be Extended
The Defense Department’s Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord spoke briefly about Section 889 Part B implementation Wednesday.
Route Fifty
Shrinking State and Local Government Office Space
COMMENTARY | With states and local officials searching for ways to cut budgets, many are looking to reduce how much real estate they occupy.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Lawmakers Ask HHS for Vaccine Distribution Plans; USAID Deactivates Pandemic Task Force
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Army Chief Denies Trump’s Claim That Generals Make War for Arms Makers
“We take this very, very seriously,” Gen. James McConville said in an interview with Defense One.
Defense
From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change
Gen. McConville addressed the nation’s internal unrest, trust of the military, even QAnon, in a wide-ranging interview with Defense One.
Nextgov
IRS Wants to Be Able to Trace ‘Untraceable’ Digital Currencies
The agency’s criminal investigation group is increasingly encountering anonymous and privacy-focused online payments methods.
Oversight