Pay & Benefits
A Fix for the Relocation Tax Snafu, an Unsuccessful Push for TRICARE Expansion, and More
A weekly round-up of pay and benefits news.
Route Fifty
Millions of SNAP Recipients Would Fall Short of Proposed Work Requirements
If the changes went into effect today, 5.2 million people would fail to meet the new requirements in a given month, according to analysis from the Urban Institute.
Nextgov
Better Government Websites Build Trust with Citizens, Silicon Valley Lawmaker Says
Rep. Ro Khanna's customer-experience focused bill would require agencies to go all digital by 2020.
Route Fifty
House Panel Advances Spending Bill for HUD and DOT Programs
Community Development Block Grants and "BUILD" infrastructure grants are among the programs the appropriations legislation proposes spending levels for.
Management
Let’s Talk About Some Bad Ideas for Civil Service Reform
A federal employment lawyer explores a few of the proposals before Congress.
Defense
The Air Force Is Adding Algorithms to Predict When Planes Will Break
The airlines already use predictive maintenance technology. Now the service’s materiel chief says it’s a “must-do for us.”
Management
How a Simple Mantra Can Improve Your Leadership
Changing a single behavior could make a big difference to you and your organization.
Oversight
Play of the Day: The Leaking White House
Everyone seems to have an agenda while leaking to the press.
Route Fifty
Democratic Governors: States Lead on Economy Equality and Climate Change
“Donald Trump cannot stop us in states and governors in building a clean energy future,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said during the Center for American Progress 2018 Ideas Conference.
Defense
Officials Mishandled Trans-Africa Airlift Contract, Pentagon Watchdog Finds
U.S. Africa Command failed to perform a key review required for the $900 million deal.
Nextgov
Trump Strengthens Agency CIO Authority with Executive Order
The order puts presidential weight behind past legislation giving government CIOs more authority over hiring and budget.
Management
How Bill Clinton Stopped White House Leaks
And why the Trump administration will struggle to replicate his strategy.
Nextgov
Homeland Security Flexes Muscles with New Cybersecurity Strategy
The strategy envisions clearer consequences for agencies that don’t meet their cyber responsibilities.
Management
A New Theory Linking Sleep and Creativity
The two main phases of sleep might work together to boost creative problem-solving.
Oversight
Intelligence Community Finally Has a Confirmed Inspector General
Senate clears Atkinson, though tensions remain over fate of whistleblower program.
Route Fifty
Trump's Infrastructure Plan 'Not Dead,' GOP Senator Says
"We're very actively working on it," said Sen. Jim Inhofe, who chairs a public works subcommittee.
Pay & Benefits
After 16 Months, State Department Ends Hiring Freeze
New Secretary Mike Pompeo fulfills a promise he made during his confirmation.
Management
EPA Chief Requested Extra Security Before He Was Sworn In, IG Reports
In letters to senators, watchdog says it had no role in assessing threats to Pruitt.
Route Fifty
Why This State Thinks Engineers Can Save Pedestrians' Lives
The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways is up—by a lot.
Nextgov