Jun 2, 2015

Do you consider yourself middle class?


The Upper Middle Class Is Ruining America


'...These are households with enough money to make modest political contributions, enough time to email their elected officials and to sign petitions, and enough influence to sway their neighbors. Upper-middle-class Americans vote at substantially higher rates than those less well-off, and though their turnout levels aren’t quite as high as those even richer than they are...'


Reference: www.slate.com
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May 29, 2015

The Difference Between a Supplement and Social Security


The Difference Between a Supplement and Social Security


'...Those who have spent a long career in government and are covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System are eligible for a benefit known as the FERS Supplement. ...'


Reference: www.govexec.com
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May 28, 2015

10 senior government Army civilians complete Senior Service College Fellowship program at Defense Acquisition University, South Region


Senior service fellowship grads meet challenge


'...Class leader Greg Snowden, deputy for Missile Defense and Space Systems Project Office within the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, thanked the Defense Acquisition University, its senior leadership and the instructors “for making our experience at SSCF a truly positive journey.”...'


Reference: www.theredstonerocket.com
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May 5, 2015

ISIS claims responsibility for Texas shooting


ISIS claims responsibility for Texas shooting but offers no proof


'...ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack outside a Prophet Mohammed cartoon contest in Texas -- and warned of more attacks to come....'


Reference: www.cnn.com
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Apr 27, 2015

Batarangs confiscated by TSA at Charlotte airport



TSA: 3 batarangs confiscated at Charlotte airport

Batarang Throwing Knife

'...A Batarang is a throwing weapon used by comic book vigilante Batman. It gets its name from looking like it's half bat and half boomerang....'

Reference: www.wsoctv.com
Tags:Batarangs


Mar 30, 2015

Indiana steps forward to protect the constitutional rights and privileges of freedom of religion for people of faith and families of faith


Is Tolerance a Two Way Street or Not?


'... there's a lot of talk about tolerance in this country today having to do with people on the left. And a -- but here Indiana steps forward to protect the constitutional rights and privileges of freedom of religion for people of faith and families of faith in our state and this avalanche of intolerance that's been poured on our state is just outrageous...'


Reference: www.realclearpolitics.com
Tags: constitutional rights, freedom of religion, Governor Mike Pence,

Mar 18, 2015

The era of zero interest rates is nearly over, some looking at June 17 as date of rise


Federal Reserve expected to signal the end of zero interest rates


'... Federal Reserve officials have begun a two-day meeting, which is expected to pave the way for the first rise in interest rates since the 2008 financial crisis. ...'


Reference: www.theguardian.com
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Feb 23, 2015

How do I print my 1099-R from Services Online?


How do I print my 1099R from Services Online?


'...You can print current year and two previous years 1099R at Services Online. ...'


Reference: www.opm.gov
Tags: How do I print my 1099-R from Services Online?

Feb 20, 2015

Coursera: Take the world's best courses, online, for free.



Coursera: Take the world's best courses, online, for free.


Coursera
'...Coursera is an education platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide, to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses for anyone to take, for free. view courses ...'

Reference: www.coursera.org
Tags: Coursera


Dec 28, 2014

Federal Retirement Options


The Best Dates, and Phased Retirement, for Federal Employees in 2015


'...the answer just may lie in the new Phased Retirement program, which formally went into effect in August. The first applications were eligible to be submitted as of November....'


Reference: www.thinkadvisor.com
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Dec 15, 2014

U.S. Military personnel doesn't do well under Continuing Resolution / Omnibus budget plan


With Shutdown Avoided, Who Are Winners (And Losers) In 2015 Budget?


'...Pay raises for most federal employees, including the military, were preserved under the bill although capped at 1% (the military was hoping for 1.8%). Military civilian personnel didn’t fare quite so well: that portion of the budget was cut. ...'


Reference: www.forbes.com
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Nov 2, 2014

Death of the American Foundry: Foundry that originally cast aluminum letters and seals for the U.S. Postal Service to close


Foundry that cast Great Seal for ND Capitol calls it quits


'...Metal Arts started 75 years ago as a small foundry and finishing factory in Milwaukee, casting aluminum letters and seals for the U.S. Postal Service, according to its website. The firm soon expanded to bronze plaques and lettering for businesses, government and organizations, a business model that continued after L&H Manufacturing purchased it. - See more at: http://www.prairiebizmag.com/event/article/id/21408/#sthash.RfedCtlk.dpuf...'


Reference:
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Oct 26, 2014

OPM Disability Retirement Process


The Confluence of Factors During the OPM Disability Retirement Process


"...There is so much information “out there” – from the “5-step process” in filing for Federal Disability Retirement benefits, to the “10 dos and don’ts” to obtain an OPM Disability Retirement; to the requirement of filing for SSDI; to multiple other acronyms which require a Ph.D. in a second, foreign language: FERS or CSRS; OPM; SSDI; CSRS-Offset; SF 3107; SF 2801; SF 3112A; the Supervisor’s ..."


Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Tags: OPM Disability Retirement Process

Oct 23, 2014

Inspector general criticizes the Secret Service for "a serious lapse in judgment"


Inspector General letter reveals new concerns about Secret Service


'...In a letter obtained by the Cox Washington Bureau, the Homeland Security inspector general criticizes the Secret Service for "a serious lapse in judgment."...'


Reference: www.wokv.com
Tags: Secret Service

Oct 21, 2014

DHS requires West Africa travelers to arrive at five airports


DHS requires West Africa travelers to arrive at five airports


'...Customs and Border Protection within the department began enhanced screening – checking the traveler's temperature and asking about possible exposure to Ebola – at New York's John F. Kennedy airport on Oct. 11. Enhanced screening for travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea was expanded Oct. 16 to Washington's Dulles, Chicago's O'Hare, New Jersey's Newark and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airports....'


Reference: www.usatoday.com
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Oct 16, 2014

CDC says health care worker with Ebola should not have been allowed to fly


CDC says health care worker with Ebola should not have been allowed to fly


'...Health care workers who had been exposed to Duncan were undergoing self-monitoring. They were allowed to travel but not on a commercial plane with other people, Frieden said....'


Reference: wqad.com
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Oct 9, 2014

Presidential Management Fellows program


Presidential Management Fellows program


'...Beginning this Wednesday, October 1, through October 15, students or recent graduates of advanced degree programs can apply to be Presidential management fellows. The program is open to people who will have received an advanced degree between October 1, 2012 and August 31, 2015. ...'


Reference: www.opm.gov
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Sep 8, 2014

flexible spending account (FSA) monies (limited amount) can be rolled over


OPM: FSA participants can rollover $500 in unused funds


'...Federal workers who participate in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) will now be able to rollover up to $500 from one year to the next in unspent funds from their limited expense and health care flexible spending accounts (FSA) thanks to a recent decision by the Office of Personnel Managment. ...'


Reference: www.federalnewsradio.com
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Sep 1, 2014

2015 Federal Employee Pay Raise of 1% Would Prevent 'Automatic' Larger Increase


Obama proposes 1 percent pay raise for federal workers in 2015


'...signaling that he wants to give the workers a salary bump while preventing the rates from automatically rising by a greater amount under the law....'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
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Mar 16, 2014

Many VA facilities tested positive for Legionella


Largest Federal Employee Union Pushes OSHA to Investigate Legionella Reports at Illinois Veterans Hospital


'...August 2013 report by the VA's Office of Inspector General found that many VA facilities tested positive for Legionella and that current methods of hyper-chlorination and super heating were not sustainable in treating the water. A number of concerns are outlined in the letter to OSHA including possible long-term health concerns for patients and staff who are exposed to hyper-chlorinated water...'


Reference: www.prnewswire.com
Tags: Legionella

Feb 26, 2014

Some postal employees to get 20% pay increases and $1,000 bonuses


Some postal employees to get 20% pay increases and $1,000 bonuses


'...The agreement calls for pay increases of up to 20 percent for rural carriers; newly hired carriers also will receive hiring bonuses that total $1,000 after one year. Current carriers also get the same sum within a year. ...'


Reference: employment-assistance.blogspot.com
Tags: Mail Carrier Hiring Bonuses, Mail Carrier Pay Increases, Mail Carrier Recruitment Bonuses,

Feb 21, 2014

TSA approved recognized locks


TSA Travel Tips Tuesday: TSA Recognized Locks


'...In order to ensure the safe transportation of travelers, TSA screens all checked and carry-on baggage before it is permitted to be brought onboard commercial aircraft. Technology generally enables us to electronically screen bags without opening them, but there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at most airports and many travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA. ...'


Reference: tsa.gov
Tags: TSA approved locks

Feb 18, 2014

Items found by TSA: Yes, this is what people attempt to carry on aircraft



41 Firearms Discovered This Week (33 Loaded)


'...The purpose of this blog is to communicate with the public about all things TSA related. Check in regularly for "Travel Tips Tuesday" and our end of week "TSA Week in Review" posts on Fridays....'

Reference: tsa.gov
Tags: TSA


Feb 3, 2014

OPM layoffs affect training and testing staff


OPM plans to trim 356 employees in March


'...Workers’ eligibility for federal benefits depends on whether they are considered temporary- or permanent-intermittent employees. The layoffs, which largely affect training and testing staff...'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
Tags: OPM cuts

Dec 3, 2013

Federal Employee Merit Pay: Is it a motivator or not


Merit-based Pay and Employee Motivation in Federal Agencies


'...This paper analyzes findings from the federal government that federal employees subject to merit-based pay are consistently less happy with their job, with their organization, and with their pay than those in agencies with traditional compensation systems. ...'


Reference: www.brookings.edu
Tags: Federal Employee Merit Pay

Oct 7, 2013

Federal Reserve's new $100 bills debut Tuesday


A few things you might want to know about the new $100 before Tuesday


'...The Federal Reserve's latest budget includes 2.5 billion new $100 bills this year, Triangle Business Journal reports. A handful of them will have increased value for collectors, due to unique serial numbers....'


Reference: www.bizjournals.com
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Oct 1, 2013

800,000 employees in the government's workforce to feel goverment shutdown


Government Shuts Down as Congress Misses Deadline


'...Many federal workers reporting to their agencies Tuesday morning will undertake a half-day of shutdown preparations before more than 800,000 employees in the government's workforce of about 2.9 million are sent home. ...'


Reference: wsj.com
Tags: Federal Government Shutdown, Federal Shutdown, Federal Shutdown 2013, Goverment Shutdown, Government Shutdown 2013,

Sep 30, 2013

OFR published a notice to give guidance on Federal Shutdown 2013


What happens if the Government shuts down?


'...The OFR published a notice to give guidance to agency customers and the public. See, 78 FR 59974...'


Reference: www.federalregister.gov
Tags: Federal Shutdown, Federal Shutdown 2013, Government Shutdown 2013, guidance on Federal Shutdown 2013, 78 FR

Sep 12, 2013

Federal Employee Buyout Coming?


Retirement Myths: Is Congress Considering Offering a Buyout to Federal Employees?


'...We all want to believe that something good will happen to us; and often it does, just not when it comes to our federal employment. You have to look back a few years to find the last “good deed” done for federal employees by Congress....'


Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Tags: Federal Employee Buyout 2013

Aug 20, 2013

How many federal employees would be affected by Postal Service plan to strip workers of federal health plan>


USPS Plan to Pull Out of Fed Health Benefits Could Cost Postal Workers


'...While most non-postal FEHB enrollees would likely not be affected by USPS’ withdrawal from the program, about 29,000 federal employees would have to select a new health plan, according to GAO, as some plans that primarily offer services to USPS workers would drop out of FEHB. ...'


Reference: www.govexec.com
Tags: FEHB

Jun 30, 2013

Reports of NSA snooping on Europe go well beyond previous revelations of electronic spying


Berlin accuses Washington of cold war tactics over snooping


'...Transatlantic relations plunged at the weekend as Berlin, Brussels and Paris all demanded that Washington account promptly and fully for new disclosures on the scale of the US National Security Agency's spying on its European allies....'


Reference: www.guardian.co.uk
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Jun 27, 2013

FERS Retirement Eligibility Information


FERS Retirement Eligibility Information


'...An immediate retirement benefit is one that starts within 30 days from the date you stop working. If you meet one of the following sets of age and service requirements, you are entitled to an immediate retirement benefit:...'


Reference: www.opm.gov
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Jun 16, 2013

Federal employee health and fitness programs


Federal workers get health and fitness programs


'...retired Army colonel and former Anne Arundel County councilman working as a civilian on the garrison staff at Fort Meade, is one of thousands of federal workers who participate in health and fitness programs ...'


Reference: www.stripes.com
Tags: Federal employee health and fitness programs

Jun 13, 2013

DC area feds can take 'unscheduled leave' or telework day due to potential severe weather


Federal workers can take unscheduled leave or telework day, OPM says


'...Federal agencies will be open on Thursday as the region braces for potential severe weather, but employees may take unscheduled leave or work from home, the Office of Personnel Management said early Thursday....'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
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Jun 5, 2013

2014: Federal Employees may see tiny pay raise in Jan.


White House again calls for federal employee raise


'...Administration urges the Congress to provide the proposed 1.0 percent pay increase for Federal civilian employees. As the President stated in his [fiscal year] 2014 Budget...'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
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Jun 2, 2013

Lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice


Female prison workers filing class action against DOJ, Federal Bureau of Prisons


'..."The overall outcome is to seek change. They need to change policy. They need to hold these inmates accountable," Rojas said. Many of the women said they've worked at other prisons and jails in Florida, and this kind of behavior was never tolerated....'


Reference: www.wftv.com
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May 19, 2013

Benghazi federal workers remembered


In Benghazi and beyond, federal workers who died on the job are remembered


'...Let’s take a break from the raging discord that has dominated Washington lately by remembering federal employees who died abroad in service to their country. With so much attention focused on what the government has done wrong, we’ll end the week with words about government workers who died trying to do right. ...'


Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
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Apr 15, 2013

Bill would undermine the 'Stock Act'


U.S. House Clears Bill Obscuring Federal Workers’ Assets


'...Federal employee groups had lobbied for the change, saying that easy access to personal financial information could lead to harassment or make the workers more vulnerable to identity theft. Critics faulted the measure for undermining a law, called the Stock Act, aimed at preventing profits from trading securities based on inside information. ...'


Reference: www.bloomberg.com
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Mar 22, 2013

Food safety and inspection workers avoid 11 days of furlough


Meat industry rescues federal workers


'...Over 9,000 federal food inspectors won’t face furloughs after top companies from the meat and poultry industries spoke out in support of them....'


Reference: wtvr.com
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