Route Fifty
City Creates Food Stamps App as Renewal Process Becomes More Difficult
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is resuming pre-coronavirus application and renewal requirements for food stamps. Washington, D.C. created a mobile public benefits app that officials hope will make it easier for recipients to apply and meet eligibility requirements.
Route Fifty
Second Night of Unrest in Wisconsin City After Police Shooting of Black Man
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | A look at local and state government ties to Idaho militias … Colorado interstate reopens after two-week wildfire closure … Connecticut city to name sewer plant after John Oliver.
Management
DeJoy Struggles With Basic Postal Questions Even as He Defends Reforms That Caused Delays
Postmaster general says in testy hearing he thought his changes would improve service but "oddly enough" the opposite occurred.
Pay & Benefits
Survey: Vast Majority of TSP Participants Are Satisfied With the Retirement Savings Program
Although satisfaction levels are slightly down compared with 2017, officials with the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program said that is likely due to market volatility at the time of the survey.
Route Fifty
Poll: State and Local Governments Get Way Better Marks than Feds for Handling Virus
The survey shows Americans’ approval of the state and local pandemic response fell this month, but it’s still nowhere near the dismal reviews the Trump administration or Congress gets.
Nextgov
IG Finds Legacy System to Blame for Delayed DHS Data Reporting
The system the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses to track a flood insurance program lacks automation, slowing DATA Act-required reporting down.
Nextgov
IRS Doesn’t Know How Many Legacy Systems It Has or How Much They Cost, IG Says
The tax agency needs to start with a single definition of what constitutes a “legacy system.”
Management
Bipartisan Bill Would Standardize Public Health Data and Bolster Sharing
The legislation would also establish a cross-agency working group for ongoing recommendations.
Management
Empowering Employees is Essential to Improving Performance
Empowered employees take goal achievement very seriously. When problems arise, they know they are expected to act.
Workforce
Coronavirus Roundup: Second Term Trump Agenda Seeks to ‘Return to Normal’ in 2021
There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.
Defense
Here’s What Might Not Survive COVID Budget Cuts
Like baby antelope at the watering hole, military weapons and vehicles still in early development might be the first to go.
Nextgov
Lawrence Livermore Scientists Model Neural Activity from Living Human Cells on Brain-On-A-Chip Devices
Building on years of multidisciplinary collaboration, the effort could help scientists find countermeasures against brain injury and disease.
Management
Most U.S. Voters Value Party Over Democracy
Only 3.5% of US voters would cast ballots against their preferred candidates as punishment for undemocratic behavior, a new study shows.
Management
GovExec Daily: Rural America and the Census
University of Mississippi's Dr. John Green joins the podcast to discuss the difficulties facing non-metropolitan communities during the decennial count.
Management
For Election Administrators, Death Threats Have Become Part of the Job
In a polarized society, the bureaucrats who operate the machinery of democracy are taking flak from all sides. More than 20 have resigned or retired since March 1, thinning their ranks at a time when they are most needed.
Route Fifty
Minnesota Lawsuit is Latest to Challenge a Face Mask Mandate
Across the country, state and local directives imposing face mask requirements have been met with repeated court challenges.
Management
Survey: Most Feds Who Have Been Working From Home During the Pandemic Are Afraid to Return to Their Offices
Nearly 80% of teleworking respondents to a new survey from AFGE said they don’t feel safe going back to their traditional worksite.
Route Fifty
Protests Arrive Outside Mayors’ Front Doors
The homes of public officials have become magnets for protests. Not all mayors are pleased.
Management
Former National Security Officials from Republican Administrations Endorse Biden
The 73 former officials and lawmakers say Trump is a danger to the nation through his words and actions.
Nextgov