White House issues formal pay freeze extension for feds

The White House issued an executive order Friday officially extending the current pay freeze on civilian federal employees until March 27, 2013.

President Obama and Congress agreed in the fall to extend the two-year pay freeze that began in January 2011 through the end of the current continuing resolution. Obama has recommended a 0.5 percent pay increase next year for feds when Congress passes a budget. It’s unclear when or if that will happen. Even if Congress agrees on a budget, there’s no guarantee lawmakers will approve a pay boost for federal workers.

Military service members are on track to receive a 1.7 percent pay raise in 2013.

(Image via Shaiith/Shutterstock.com)