Veterans group hits goal of recruiting 100,000 election workers
When voters head to the polls to cast ballots this November, at least one out of every 10 election workers will be a veteran or a veteran's family member.
Judge orders return of dismissed probationary workers at VA, DOD
Thousands of federal employees could be reinstated to their government jobs following the ruling.
Special Features
Open Season Coverage
Tips, tricks, and other information to help you navigate Open Season.
Federal workers, both Democrat and Republican, eager to vote this fall
Past behavior shows this population will show up big at the polls. How feds will vote is less clear.
Office reentry pushing feds to job hunt, Federal Times survey shows
Of those who left their government job, more than a third said the ability to work to telework was the deciding factor.
‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey
A desire to serve the public principally motivated many of the more than 530 respondents to pursue a career, long or short, in the federal government.
Latest
Ask Kevin: Which FEHB national plans offer Medicare Advantage plans?
Here's what retirees can do to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans offered by FEHB plans.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Opinion
Overuse of National Guard threatens to undermine preparedness
Nontraditional missions run the risk of diverting resources that could be dedicated to training and preparedness, the authors say.
Defense Health Agency nurses face recruiting freeze, threats to pay
The agency has held town halls informing employees that it’s suspending a regrade of existing GS-13 nursing positions.
Government power in US is a swirl of checks and balances
Article II of the Constitution said executive power would be vested in the president but didn't specify what those powers specifically were.
Ask Reg: Can I stay on FEHB self-plus-one if spouse moves to Medicare?
A reader asks when he can shift back to self-only coverage once his spouse moves to Medicare.
Ask Kevin: What are the pros and cons to Medicare Part B for retirees?
There are three main reasons to consider enrolling in Part B.
Election officials seek changes to federal rule on cyberattack reports
The proposed rule says state and local election offices must report suspected breaches within 72 hours.
Veterans group hits goal of recruiting 100,000 election workers
When voters head to the polls to cast ballots this November, at least one out of every 10 election workers will be a veteran or a veteran's family member.
Opinion
How to establish an effective data management governance program
A compliance program should be able to clearly articulate the criteria for evaluating success, highlighting the technology or processes required.
Federal Oversight
VA leaders announce end to all transgender-related care for vets
Department leaders promised to continue to provide necessary care to transgender veterans even after the rule changes.
Retirement
Ask Reg: Can I negotiate my federal salary offer?
Departments and agencies vary in the latitude they give their supervisors and managers to vary the step they offer to a prospective employee.
Ask Reg: How long does it take to be vested for federal pension?
A reader asks if their military service counts toward their retirement eligibility.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Your Career
Ask Reg: Can I stay on FEHB self-plus-one if spouse moves to Medicare?
A reader asks when he can shift back to self-only coverage once his spouse moves to Medicare.
Ask Reg: Social Security says I’m subject to Windfall Elimination. Why?
There have been ongoing attempts in Congress and by financial advocates to repeal the WEP.
Ask Reg: Does my military buyback count toward my retirement service?
A reader who wants to apply for deferred retirement wonders if their military buyback counts toward their service time.
Pay and Benefits
Vets may see only a small cost-of-living boost in benefits next year
An outside watchdog estimates the benefits adjustment will be less than 3% in 2025.
Management
Uncertainty is the only constant in the Pentagon’s budget outlook
“It’s going to be kind of a disaster,” one military official said about the lack of a full budget, which means more limits on how the Pentagon spends.
AI and IT
Russian hackers infiltrate Veterans Affairs via Microsoft account
The state-sponsored hacker infiltrated a platform called Microsoft Azure Government, which provides storage, databases and other services to the VA.
By Zamone Perez
