myRA.gov: A new retirement savings account with the government

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myra.gov

'...myRA.gov is a simple, safe, affordable way to start saving for retirement. Open a myRA, build up savings, then move on to other investments. myRA® is designed to make saving for retirement easy for people who need it most – workers who don’t have access to a retirement savings plan at their job or lack other options to save. It’s affordable. Fits your budget with no cost or fees. *Interest earned is at the same rate as investments in the Government Securities Fund, which earned 2.31% in 2014 and an average annual return of 3.19% over the ten-year period ending December 2014...'

Reference: myra.gov
Tags: myra.gov

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The Difference Between a Supplement and Social Security

'...To get the supplement, you have to be younger than age 62 at retirement and eligible for an immediate, unreduced, non-disability FERS basic retirement benefit. You’re eligible at your minimum retirement age (between 55 and 57, depending on your year of birth) with at least 30 years of creditable service, or age 60 with at least 20 years of creditable service...'

Reference: www.govexec.com
Tags: FERS Supplement.,

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FBI chief concerned about surge in inner-city violence

'...-- The fact that many police and sheriff departments nationally are short-handed. -- A "YouTube" and "gangbanger" culture that treats guns as if they were fashion accessories. He pointed out that the increase in shootings has included a surge in multivictim incidents, meaning more shootouts. There were several such incidents in Cincinnati over the summer, including an August shootout in Madisonville that left two dead and five injured...'

Reference:
Tags: www.usatoday.com

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FBI says it 'disrupted' dozens of potential militants

'...Comey said investigators had followed "dozens and dozens of people around the United States 24/7" during the summer and had "disrupted" them. Comey told the committee that Islamic State recruits from the United States are incrementally younger with more "girls –women under 18" - seeking to join the militant group...'

Reference: www.reuters.com
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How did ISIS get so many Toyota pick-up trucks and SUVs

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US Officials Ask How ISIS Got So Many Toyota Trucks

'...Toyota has a “strict policy to not sell vehicles to potential purchasers who may use or modify them for paramilitary or terrorist activities,” Lewis said. He said it is impossible for the company to track vehicles that have been stolen, or have been bought and re-sold by middlemen...'

Reference: abcnews.go.com
Tags: Terror Financing unit of the Treasury Department, Treasury Department, Toyota Trucks,

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Carper Postal Reform Bill Would Force Postal Retirees Into Expensive Medicare System and Then Possibly the Same for Federal Workers

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Will You Be Forced To Pay Into Medicare?

'...Congress is considering a bill that would require postal retirees to enroll in Medicare Parts B and D or lose their Federal health insurance. Is this the future for all Federal retirees? - See more at: http://www.fedsmith.com/2015/09/21/will-you-be-forced-to-pay-into-medicare/#sthash.HcEIWG0c.dpuf...'

Reference: www.fedsmith.com
Tags:

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Scott Walker wants to rape blue collar workers by stealing labor rights

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Scott Walker's 'draconian' labor plan to call for ending federal workers' unions

'...“Mr Walker could only be making these type of proposals to satisfy his most backward-looking, wealthy contributors,” he said, “just as he pursued, as governor, policies advanced by these people that sought to destroy school teachers and other public employees’ rights in Wisconsin.”...'

Reference: www.theguardian.com
Tags:Scott Walker

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Rare FEGLI open season: Sept. 1 to 30, 2016

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OPM allows Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance open season

'...The FEGLI open season runs from Sept. 1 to 30, 2016. During this time, federal employees, who are eligible, can elect or increase their FEGLI life insurance...'

Reference: www.army.mil
Tags: FEGLI open season

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OPM Data Breach News Just Keeps Getting Worse

'...The Office of Personnel Management may have suffered more breaches and lost more information than it previously acknowledged...'

Reference: www.eweek.com
Tags: OPM Data Breach

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Do you consider yourself middle class?

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

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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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ISIS claims responsibility for Texas shooting

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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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Batarangs confiscated by TSA at Charlotte airport

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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

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

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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,

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

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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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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?

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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

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With the destruction of the Postal Service and Attacks on federal pensions, 2016 elections may be decided by federal workers

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Partisan divide in federal employee legislation

'...When it comes to federal employees, one party wants to give, the other plans to take away. ...'

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com

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Federal Retirement Options

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

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

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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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OPM Disability Retirement Process

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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
Tags:

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Many VA facilities tested positive for Legionella

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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

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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,

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TSA approved recognized locks

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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

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

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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

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OPM layoffs affect training and testing staff

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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

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Federal Employee Merit Pay: Is it a motivator or not

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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

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Federal Reserve's new $100 bills debut Tuesday

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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
Tags:

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

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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,

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OFR published a notice to give guidance on Federal Shutdown 2013

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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

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Federal Employee Buyout Coming?

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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

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

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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

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