News Briefs

News Briefs

December 4, 1996
THE DAILY FED

News Briefs

The following news summaries are from OPM AM, the daily newsletter of the Office of Personnel Management. OPM AM is available on OPM Mainstreet, the agency's electronic bulletin board, at 202-606-4800.


BUYOUT GUIDE--OPM is issuing two comprehensive guides on the new buyout law for federal agencies and employees. These new guides explain the law, clarify differences with the prior buyout law, and provide tools, resources, and suggestions for effectively planning and using buyouts ([OPM] Office of Communication's News Release, December 3).

THE FEDERAL DIARY--"If you don't mind managed care . . . want low premiums and co-payments and don't want paperwork, you could save lots of health care dollars next year by enrolling in an HMO" (The Washington Post).

CPI--The commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics said it is impossible, based on current research, to say just how much the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is overstating inflation. The index is used to figure annual increases to retirement benefits for millions of people (USA TODAY).

DIVERSITY--"Companies are shifting their emphasis from conquering prejudices to working around them" (The New York Times, Sunday, December 1)...Do diversity programs make a difference? (The Wall Street Journal).

OTHER VIEWS--Security clearance of Commerce official questioned (Sun, Baltimore, MD, October 31)...OPM's role in security clearance of commerce official is criticized (October 29 Column by William Safire: Atlanta Constitution, Tampa Tribune, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Houston Chronicle, St. Petersburg Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune)...OPM Must work with providers (PA Pharmacist, Harrisburg, PA, October).

OF INTEREST--Don't let the bosses get you down: You get better after 50 (The Wall Street Journal).

NEXT STORY: Slow Appointments