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...'


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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