2012 Pay Rates Released
OPM has released the 2012 General Schedule pay rates. FedSmith.com has also updated our pay calculator to reflect the new rates.
Current Events
Current news and events impacting the federal workforce, both current federal employees and federal retirees.
Extended Pay Freeze Spared For Now
The heated debates in Congress over extending the payroll tax cut have come to a temporary end just in time for Christmas. Absent from the current agreement: a one year extension of the pay freeze and modifications to the federal retirement system.
Rumor of the Day: Interim Retirement Payments to be Canceled by OPM?
With proposed changes to federal pay and benefits swirling in Congress, rumors start and spread quickly. One that recently surfaced: OPM is canceling interim retirement payments. Here is the answer from the agency.
Tax Cuts, Your Future Federal Retirement and the Federal Pay Freeze
What is the status of proposed changes to the federal retirement system and the federal employee pay freeze? Here is an update.
Bridges to Nowhere, Cheese, and Video Games: Coburn’s 2011 Wasteful Government Spending Report
Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) has released a report outlining 100 projects and items on which he believes the government has wasted taxpayers dollars in 2011.
White House: Yes, There’s Still a Pay Freeze
President Obama issued an executive order Monday outlining the pay rates for various federal salary schedules for 2012. The executive order is issued annually to set pay rates, and, not surprisingly, there is no change from 2011 for most federal employees since the pay freeze is still in effect.
Federal Employee Pay Freeze on Tap or Not?
Watching the twists and turns of proposed legislation to cut taxes for some Americans gets confusing. The Senate passed a bill but it wasn’t the same bill that the House had passed. Some thought that a two-month extension put a temporary end to the controversy. That prediction was, perhaps, made too early to be true.
Why Does it Take So Long to Process Federal Employee Retirement Applications?
Why does it take so long for federal employees to get their retirement benefits? Perhaps it is the fault of the employees and the agency benefit specialists that assist in preparing the applications for retirement. OPM is offering training to improve their job performance.
Legislation Would Cut Federal Workforce to Avoid Defense Cuts
Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA) has introduced legislation that would cut the federal workforce by 10% to pay for mandated sequestration cuts in FY 2013.
Estimates of Benefits Changes in 2012
OPM has not yet released official numbers for costs in benefits changes for 2012 that would be affected by the recent COLA. The author offers his best estimates as to how the cost of the FERS basic death benefit and children’s survivor benefits are likely to change next year.
