White House Releases Memo Detailing Workplace Reentry for Federal Employees
The Biden administration released a memo on June 10, 2021 to facilitate the safe, effective, and efficient return of federal employees to the physical workplace given the declining threat of COVID-19. The administration lifted the 25 percent occupancy rule for federal buildings, but continues to require detailed plans from agencies regarding return-to-work initiatives prior to increasing occupancy.
Talent Mobility Trends Survey Compares Perspectives on Post-Pandemic Relocation Strategies Across North American Public, Private Service Sectors
The Senior Executives Association (SEA) and BGRS Relocation, a global leader in employee relocation solutions for public and private sector organizations, presented data from a global relocation trends survey indicating areas for improvement for American public sector organizations seeking to attract top talent from across the country following the pandemic.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Charges Related to Targeting Gay Men on Dating App
According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release dated June 3, 2021, Daniel Jenkins, 22, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime and two related charges for plans to target gay men with violent crimes.
“S1-on-1": FEMA Administrator Criswell
Watch a one-on-one conversation between Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the first female to hold the title since FEMA's inception. This is the first conversation in the new series “S1-on-1" where Secretary Mayorkas will interview leaders from across DHS.
TSA Ordered to Expand Workforce Protections and Rights
The Biden administration recently announced that it would extend Title 5 federal employee protections to workers at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This includes granting them collective bargaining rights, access to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and aligning their wages with the General Schedule.
Lawmakers Scrutinize Biden Administration for Deployment of Feds to Southern Border
When President Biden issued a solicitation back in March requesting help from the federal workforce to handle the influx of unaccompanied children at the Southern border of the U.S., hundreds of employees from several agencies volunteered.
Justice Department Requires Federal Officers to Wear Body Cameras
In a memo released June 7, 2021, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced that it will be a requirement for federal agents in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to wear body cameras when they are executing search warrants or making pre-planned arrests.
OPM Releases New Rule: Former Feds Can Be Re-hired at a Higher Pay Scale
A final rule released by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on June 8, 2021 would make it easier for federal agencies to bring back former employees at a higher pay scale. Prior to the release of this rule, agencies could bring back ex-employees, but at the same pay grade they were receiving before they left federal service.
Operation Trojan Shield Uses Encrypted Messaging Platform to Thwart Global Crime Networks
In a news release from June 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the successful completion of Operation Trojan Shield, a global effort targeting encrypted platforms used by criminal groups.
Sued for doing my job? Webinar
Just recently, the Supreme Court unanimously held in Tanzin v. Tanvir all federal employees can be personally sued under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, for claims that their work “substantially burden[ed] a person’s exercise of religion.”
Nuclear Weapons: A Guide From Truman
Have you ever been curious about nuclear weapons? This helpful guide from the Truman Center breaks down some of the misconceptions surrounding nuclear weapons and explains which countries currently have nuclear weapons.
Podsters on FEDtalk
On the latest episode of the FEDtalk podcast, federal employee panelists who themselves are podcast hosts and content creators across platforms joined the program to discuss the personal and professional benefits, pitfalls, and successes of their creations, and what it has meant for them as well for their careers.
Sondland v. Pompeo Highlights the Financial Vulnerabilities of Federal Employees, Including Law Enforcement Officers
Recently, news broke that former Ambassador Gordon Sondland, a key witness in the 2019 impeachment probe, is suing former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the U.S. government for recoupment of $1.8 million in attorney’s fees.
The Supreme Court Holds That Tribal Officers May Stop and Search Non-Indians on Tribal Lands
In February 2016, Officer James Saylor of the Crow Police Department was traveling on a public right-of-way that passes through the Crow Reservation in Montana. Saylor saw a truck parked on the side of the highway, and pulled up to see if its occupants needed assistance. Saylor approached the truck and spoke to the driver, Joshua James Cooley.
President’s Budget Calls for Pay Raise, Workforce Investment
The White House released President Joe Biden’s full fiscal year 2022 budget on Friday. The budget proposal includes a pay raise for federal employees and pledges to focus on strengthening the workforce.
Postal Service Reform Act Could Raise Health Insurance Premiums for Federal Workforce
The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021, introduced in the House by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY), could raise health insurance costs for both employees and retirees in the federal workforce.
An Overview of President Biden’s Budget Proposal
President Joe Biden recently released a $6 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2022. The budget proposal would raise total spending to $8.2 trillion by 2031. Non-defense discretionary spending would be increased by 16 percent, while defense spending would increase by 1.7 percent.
Nevada Bottled Water Company Ordered to Stop Distributing Adulterated Products
According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release dated June 1, 2021, a Nevada bottled water company and its owners were recently permanently enjoined from preparing, processing, and distributing adulterated and misbranded bottled water.
Post-Pandemic Relocation and Talent Management Strategies: Responses and Perspectives from North American Public Service Leaders
BGRS Relocation Inc. and the Senior Executives Association (SEA) are excited to announce the release of our ground-breaking research report, “Post-Pandemic Relocation and Talent Management Strategies: Responses and Perspectives from North American Public Service Leaders.”
20th Annual Social Equity Leadership Conference
Join the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) for the 20th Annual Social Equity Leadership Conference this June 9-11! This year's theme is "Fostering Social Equity: Innovation and Change" signifying an emphasis on developing and promoting concrete actions with lasting impact.