Reg Jones

Expert's View:

The COLAs for 2009

One of the joys of being a federal retiree -- other than the obvious one of being retired -- is that you get an annual a cost-of-living adjustment to your annuity. . . writes benefits expert Reg Jones.

Hot Free Info
Hot Free Info
Free Email Newsletters:




Sign Up Now
FEDweek
Get Print Version
Bookmark and Share

Dec. 26 Granted as Extra Day Off

Following past practice, President Bush has granted federal employees an additional day off without charge to leave on December 26, which falls on a Friday. More

Still Waiting on Pay Order

One other order that is expected to come out soon is the annual White House pay order. More

‘Tis the Season to Know Gift Policies

At this time of year, issues commonly arise around giving or getting gifts in the work environment. More

Gifts from Outside Sources Restricted

Generally speaking, an employee may not solicit or accept a gift given because of his official position or from a prohibited source to include anyone who: has or seeks official action or business with the agency; is regulated by the agency; has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance of an employee's official duties; or is an organization composed mainly of such persons. More

What’s Acceptable in Gift-Getting

Unless the frequency of the acceptance of gifts would appear to be improper, an employee generally may accept: gifts based on a personal relationship when it is clear that the motivation is not his official position;

gifts of $20 or less per occasion, not to exceed $50 in a year from one source; discounts and similar benefits offered to a broad class, including a broad class of government employees; most genuine awards and honorary degrees, although in some cases an employee will need a formal determination; free attendance, food, refreshments and materials provided at a conference or widely attended gathering or certain other social events which an employee attends in his official capacity, with approval; and gifts based on an outside business relationship, such as travel expenses related to a job interview. More

Fundraising Restrictions Apply, Too

The Office of Government Ethics has sent out a message to agencies asking them to remind employees about those policies as well as policies regarding fundraising in the workplace. More

Expert’s View: The COLAs for 2009

One of the joys of being a federal retiree – other than the obvious one of being retired – is that you get an annual a cost-of-living adjustment to your annuity, writes benefits expert Reg Jones. More

Changes in Workforce Summarized

The Congressional Research Service has issued a statistical look at the federal workforce, putting new data behind many of the trends that have been noted in other settings. More

Some Jobs, Agencies Lead Growth

The federal workforce grew by more than 120,000 employees between 2000, the low point during the last 10 years, and 2008, the report said. More