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VA Extends Financial System Overhaul by 5 Years—And Adds More than a Billion to the Cost
The agency is in the middle of a major overhaul of its financial management system, as those efforts stall behind other modernization priorities.
Management
EPA, Union Reopen Negotiations After Agency Implements Unilateral Contract
Although the agency has promised to bargain “in good faith” with AFGE officials, the contract that evicted labor representatives from agency office space and gutted telework will remain in effect.
Route Fifty
The Healthiest—and Unhealthiest—States
Reduced smoking rates, not much violent crime and low reports of sexually transmitted diseases make Vermont the healthiest state in the country, according to rankings released this week.
Nextgov
House Passes Comprehensive Anti-Robocall Legislation
Still, experts say a dramatic reduction in the problematic calls likely won’t happen overnight.
Pay & Benefits
Last Chance for Open Season
Fear not, procrastinators: You still have time to make a change.
Pay & Benefits
Lawsuit Against Working During Shutdowns Presents a Potential Catch-22
A federal judge ruled it would be too disruptive to stop agencies from forcing employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations, but the Trump administration on Wednesday argued the case is now moot because government is open.
Nextgov
Amazon Web Services Chief Says Pentagon Got it Wrong with JEDI Award
The head of Amazon Web Services isn’t pulling punches at the company’s global summit in Las Vegas.
Nextgov
Customs Reverses Course on Mandatory Facial Scans for U.S. Citizens
After criticism from Congress and privacy advocates, the border security agency says it will pull back a proposed rule change.
Route Fifty
Many States Prosecute Pregnant Women for Drug Use. New Research Says That’s a Bad Idea.
As the opioid epidemic surges, states have been cracking down on pregnant addicted women.
Pay & Benefits
Feds Should Prepare Financially for Another Government Shutdown
Here are some ideas to help managers make sure employees are covered during a worst-case scenario.
Workforce
Mindfulness Could Lower Your Blood Pressure
Mindfulness can help lower high blood pressure by boosting attention control, emotion regulation, and self-awareness of both healthy and unhealthy habits.
Oversight
Analysis: The Legal Debate About Impeachment Is Over
The expert witness called by Republicans agreed that the quid pro quo—if proved—would be an impeachable act.
Route Fifty
With 2020 Agenda, Mayors Stake Out Positions on Housing, Guns and Climate
The local leaders also address a range of other issues in their new platform that they want presidential candidates and other contenders for federal office to take notice of.
Management
Court Affirms Agencies Don't Have to Negotiate Over Performance Appraisals
Management can shift the number of appraisal levels without bargaining with unions, court says.
Nextgov
Pentagon Unveils Which Bases Will House Large-Scale 5G Experiments
The first projects will focus on asset management and sharing across the spectrum.
Route Fifty
Concerned About Her City's Lack of Affordable Housing, a Councilwoman Decided to Build Some
Jillian Johnson, mayor pro tem of Durham, N.C., is constructing a duplex next to her house with the goal of renting its two units to low-income families who need stable housing.
Route Fifty
Almost 700,000 to Lose Food Stamp Benefits Under Finalized Trump Administration Rule
A new USDA rule, one of several that has been under consideration, would make it more difficult for states to obtain work requirement waivers for the federal food stamp program.
Pay & Benefits
A Pay Raise Update, TSP to Require Two-Step Sign Ins and More
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Nextgov