News

TSP board picks insider as new director

New chief executive has a mix of private sector and federal experience, recently oversaw first participant survey in 15 years.

News

TSP boosts participation of young, lower-paid employees

Overall civilian rates have leveled off, leaving the military services as a prime area for growth.

News

TSP activity increases following stock market plunge

Plan officials recommend against shifting investments in response to short-term fluctuations.

News

Hispanic representation in government rises -- barely

Homeland Security employs highest percentage of Hispanics, with Social Security leading in rate of new hires.

Management

Budget slates education, health programs for hefty cutbacks

Housing programs also hard-hit on list of 141 initiatives recommended for elimination or sharp reductions.

Management

Transportation, security technology, food safety join high-risk list

GAO moves postal reform and mortgage insurance and rental housing assistance programs off its list of at-risk federal programs.

Management

Lawmakers renew attempt to block private tax debt collection

Bill sponsors argue IRS program to outsource some collections is inefficient and raises privacy concerns.

News

Union asks court to block federal internship program

Lawsuit claims effort undermines merit principles by denying federal employees the chance to compete for jobs and promotions.

Pay & Benefits

House members urge pay parity, larger 2008 raise

Next year’s hike should make up for this year’s 2.2 percent increase, the lowest in nearly two decades, majority leader says.

Defense

Ruling upholds results of DHS union election

Agency applauds decision; union that raised objections has yet to determine whether it will appeal.

Management

OPM finalizes rule tying bonuses to performance

Regulation contains few changes from draft version, despite concerns awards will be swayed by favoritism.

Pay & Benefits

International fund outperforms other TSP options for 2006

I Fund beats the second-highest earner in the retirement plan last year by more than 10 percentage points.

Defense

Survey signals low morale among DHS agriculture specialists

“Nothing is going well” is second most-frequent reply to a query on what’s good about the job.

Pay & Benefits

OPM takes late enrollments for dental, vision insurance

Deadline was Monday, but those who had trouble getting through on Web site and phone lines have until Friday.

Pay & Benefits

Cost of running TSP lower than anticipated

Decreases in operating budget are not coming at the expense of services, officials say.

Management

House again votes to end prison firm's procurement preference

Companion bill in Senate hasn’t made it out of committee.

News

OPM finalizes rule on direct hiring for acquisition workers

Agencies must report to OPM on use of the new authority by the end of the year.

News

TSP officials weigh automatic enrollment of employees

Board members assess how changes in recently signed pension overhaul measure will affect federal retirement plan.

Management

New rule eases barriers to employing the disabled

Change seeks to simplify process of determining whether candidates qualify for excepted service positions.

Management

EEOC extends customer service center pilot project

Lawmakers had requested that the commission put off a vote on whether to make the center permanent, pending further review.