February 20, 2012


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Insight by Mike Causey: When e-mails attack

E-mails and texts are the lifeblood of many federal and private operations. They can also be career killers. And its probably only going to get worse as more people become more comfortable (but less skillful) in nonverbal communications ...


President's budget tough on feds

President Obama’s fiscal 2013 budget proposal, although it would end the two-year pay freeze and give feds a modest 0.5 percent pay raise, also includes proposals to raise feds’ contributions to their retirements by 1.2 percent over three years, and would do away with the Federal Employees Retirement System supplement for new employees.


Military to open more positions to women

The Defense Department on Feb. 9 said that it will change its policies to allow it to open up 14,325 more military positions to women.


Roth TSP details available online

Thrift Savings Plan investors now can go to the plan’s website to access a number of new materials to help investors decide whether or not to participate in the new TSP Roth option when it becomes available later this year.


Federal Benefits Q&A

Question: “Is it possible to add a spouse to Federal Employee Health Benefits health insurance outside of open enrollment as a QLE (Qualifying Life Event) if you have been married for several years?”


Budget hikes some Tricare fees, drug co-pays

The Defense Department’s fiscal 2013 budget proposal lays out cost-saving strategies that would help trim back DOD’s healthcare expenses.


USPS losses mount; budget calls for service cut

While the U.S. Postal Service reported improved shipping revenues during the holiday season, the increase failed to put much of a dent in losses in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.


GAO support specialists choose union

Government Accountability Office professional support specialists voted on Feb. 8 to unionize in partnership with GAO analysts, who several years ago formed a union affiliated with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.


Thrift Savings Plan Share Prices

Prices as of Feb. 14, 2012.


Cuts will not solve deficit problem, says NFFE leader

NFFE President William Dougan offers his organization’s perspectives on recent GOP legislation and President Obama’s budget proposal.


Informed Investor: Guidance on Determining Tax Filing Status: Part I

The 2012 income tax filing season has started. One question federal employees will be facing as they prepare their tax returns is their filing status. This week’s column discusses tax filing statuses, including single, married filing jointly and married filing separately. The column also takes a look at the filing status question for same-sex married couples.


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FEND MASTHEAD

Kristi Dougherty, General Manager
Phil Piemonte, Managing Editor
Jana Steiger, Digital Development Editor
Nathan Abse, Writer
Mike Causey, Columnist
Edward Zurndorfer, Columnist

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