Defense

From Nextgov.com: Defense Department opens up to social media

New policy grants all personnel access to social networks but continues to block sites related to pornography, gambling and hate crimes.

Oversight

Postal Service financial woes will continue in 2011

Agency will consider changes in delivery schedule and funding of retiree health benefits to temper losses.

Oversight

From Nextgov.com: Budget freeze could lead agencies to focus on IT projects that reduce costs, report says

Agencies should strategically invest in solutions such as standardization and cloud computing that lead to less spending.

Oversight

Interior plan reduces travel, IT spending

Department proposal calls for significant budget cuts, but would boost investment in renewable energy, climate change initiatives.

Pay & Benefits

Agriculture’s cafeteria serves healthy meals alongside traditional fare

Agency makes nutritional information available and encourages employees to make smarter choices.

News

Veterans Affairs employee wins cost-cutting contest

Nancy Fichtner will meet with President Obama to present her idea of letting veterans take home unused medications when they leave the hospital.

Pay & Benefits

Leveling Off

Some NSPS employees will see lower pay raises as the General Schedule transition begins.

Oversight

Administration announces finalists in cost-cutting contest

Four proposals to boost efficiency make the last round; President Obama will include the winning idea in his fiscal 2011 budget.

Pay & Benefits

Bill caps flexible spending account contributions

The Senate version of the health care reform legislation would limit FSA contributions to $2,500 beginning in 2011.

News And Analysis

The Real World

To recruit young feds, agencies have to reach beyond Facebook and YouTube.

Pay & Benefits

Job seekers continue to value face-to-face interaction

To recruit young feds, agencies have to reach beyond Facebook and YouTube.

Oversight

Postal Service employees will receive pay raise in December

Agency’s financial woes have no effect on 2006 union agreement, officials say.

Oversight

House panel pushes for answers on Social Security backlog

SSA is hiring more employees to tackle disability claims and conducting video hearings to expedite process, commissioner says.

Pay & Benefits

Mental and physical health conditions get equal out-of-network coverage

Starting in 2010, insurers will eliminate differences in co-payments and lift a restriction on number of visits.

Defense

Panelists urge continued support for military’s anti-smoking efforts

Female smokers require special focus because they face particular barriers to quitting, witnesses tell lawmakers.

Oversight

Poll: Americans have lackluster view of government

Gallup finds mixed public perception of agencies’ performance, while military earns top marks.

Oversight

Quiz: Are you tailor-made for telework?

Take one of our quizzes to see if working remotely works for you.

Oversight

HHS use of funds for health reform campaign falls into question

Form letter could be considered propaganda designed to influence legislation, analysts find.

Oversight

Postal Service eyes options beyond layoffs and buyouts

Agency is looking at adding retail and other services to boost revenue.

News And Analysis

Fueling Fundraising

The CFC seeks to motivate young workers to contribute time and money to charitable causes.